[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2544-E2545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING 100 YEARS OF MILITARY AVIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 2009

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud 
cosponsor of H. Res. 445, a resolution recognizing 100 years of 
military aviation and expressing continued support for the military 
aviators of the United States Armed Forces.
  Military aviators have had a long history of defending our nation at 
home and abroad, as well as supplying humanitarian assistance 
throughout the world. From the very first military purchase of the 
Wright Military Flyer in 1909, we have been privileged as a nation for 
the service of the world's best aviators, as well as the finest 
platforms in which they fly. In fact, the most technologically advanced 
fighter jet in the world is the F-22A Raptor--proudly manufactured in 
the 11th District of Georgia which is my honor to represent. Throughout 
both World Wars, the Vietnam War, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring 
Freedom, aviators have been a critical component to successful combat 
from establishing air superiority to providing invaluable logistical 
and intelligence support to the Armed Forces.
  Mr. Speaker, we must take a moment to recognize the communities 
around the nation that lend support to these aviators and their 
families. Again, I am proud to mention Marietta, Georgia, which is in 
my district and is home to Dobbins Air Reserve Base. The 94th Airlift 
Wing at Dobbins is part of the Air Force Reserve Command and provides 
the Department of Defense with exceptional C-130 Hercules training and 
combat-ready units ready to

[[Page E2545]]

deploy on short notice to support more than 10,000 guardsmen, 
reservists, and civilians at the world's largest joint air reserve 
base.
  With our military engaged in two wars, this chamber must take the 
opportunity to express thanks to all of our military aviators and other 
troops abroad who have defended our homeland and the values and ideals 
we espouse as a nation. I believe that the brave men and women who 
sacrifice for our present freedoms deserve our fullest support. Our 
nation's service men and women represent the best our country has to 
offer, and they must be treated with the respect and honor they 
deserve. As we ask these courageous soldiers, sailors, airmen, and 
marines--and their families--to do more and more, it's only right we 
continue doing all we can for them. Recognizing 100 years of military 
aviation is just one reminder of the superior job our troops perform 
for America at home and abroad, and it is my hope that we will continue 
to do all we can and more for the members of our Armed Forces.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

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