[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNITION OF LONNIE CARMON FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO AVIATION

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                          HON. MARY JO KILROY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Ms. KILROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lonnie Carmon, who 
in 1926 became the first African American to fly a plane in central 
Ohio. Through his persistence, creativity, and ingenuity, Lonnie 
contributed to the evolution of aviation as well as the advancement of 
African Americans. The Ohio Historical Society has honored Lonnie 
Carmon for his role in the history of aviation in Ohio with a tribute 
to aviators who lived and flew out of Columbus.
  Lonnie Carmon was affectionately referred to as the ``junk man'' for 
his recycling business, in which he would take discarded goods and sell 
them to people who could use them. Lonnie was a creative and inventive 
man who built his aircraft himself with little guidance, using 
materials he came across in his recycling business. His ability to turn 
what others considered trash into a working airplane has made him a 
pioneer in the field and for this reason he is celebrated during 
National Aviation Month every November.
  Lonnie Carmon was recognized in 2004 by the Columbus Regional Airport 
Authority, which dedicated its 2003 Annual Report to the celebration of 
the History of Aviation in Central Ohio during the 75th anniversary of 
Port Columbus International Airport. The Annual Report included a 
photograph of Lonnie and the aircraft he built and flew.
  Lonnie Carmon was honored by his granddaughter and other members of 
the Columbus community on February 20, 2010, at the Ohio Historical 
Center where he received a Citation of Achievement from Mayor Michael 
Coleman. State Representative and House Majority Floor Leader Tracy 
Maxwell Heard also issued a resolution of recognition in celebration of 
Lonnie's accomplishments. Lonnie Carmon, along with all those who 
contributed to the history of flight in Ohio, will continue to be 
honored and recognized for his impact on aviation. I am proud to honor 
Lonnie Carmon, for his drive, innovation, and ability as a pioneer in 
Ohio aviation history.

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