[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 137 (Friday, September 25, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2374-E2375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ANNE WHITEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 2009

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave 
American; Anne Whiteman. Anne was born September 5, 1956 to parents who 
met and married in Tubingen, Germany. Her father was born and raised in 
Germany and fought as a soldier in the German Army during WWII and was 
later held captive by the American Forces. During Anne's childhood, he 
recounted many fascinating stories that led to his love for America and 
his becoming a U.S. citizen.
  Though Anne was born in Virginia she completed high school in Germany 
and worked at the American Consulate in Frankfurt. After college and 
various jobs she applied with the FAA in 1981 and was the first woman 
certified Air Traffic Controller to work at El Paso. In those days, 
pilots were not used to speaking with a female controller but she 
quickly earned their respect. She was selected for a position at DFW in 
1984 where she started in the Tower but later moved downstairs to work 
in the Terminal Radar Approach Control, TRACON, radar room. Anne 
believes that her move to the TRACON gave her the best gift as it was 
there that she met her husband. No one thought they could survive 
working together every day but not only did they survive but they 
thrived. Anne was certified on all positions in February of 1986 and 
became the first female controller to certify at DFW TRACON.
  Anne has worked many aircraft in distress and has assisted pilots as 
she grew in her knowledge of aircraft and skills. As a result, she was 
encouraged to bid on a supervisor's position and after much 
encouragement bid on a temporary supervisor detail and was selected for 
the 120 days in August 1985 and

[[Page E2375]]

became hers permanently and the rest is history.
  While Anne Whiteman received numerous awards throughout her career 
and became recognized as a valued FAA team member, this all changed 
when the safety concerns she reported were compromised and covered up 
which led to her blowing the whistle. As a result, she was ostracized 
at the job she loved. During Anne's career, she has supervised or 
trained at least 30 air traffic controllers at the DFW Tower or in 
TRACON and was recognized by the Department of Transportation Inspector 
General who found her egregious reports were well-documented. Twice 
during a three-year period, these reports were submitted to the 
President. This reporting activity also led to her being awarded the 
Office of Special Counsel's 2005 Public Service Award and later sharing 
the Public Servant of the Year in 2008 for her contribution to air 
safety. She was also nominated for the 2006 Service to America medal 
while the reprisals continued along with her safety concerns. After 
some 30 years of service with the FAA, Anne Whiteman is no ordinary 
hero for she put her job and well-being on the line for what she 
believed was needed in order to protect the flying public.
  As a Member of Congress it has been my honor to serve this valiant 
American who not only helped pave the way for women controllers but 
also serves as a courageous example in the protection of air travel and 
she did not flinch at such a great personal loss. This record serves to 
honor this service as she retires from the job she loves on September 
3, 2009.

                          ____________________