[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 64 (Monday, May 3, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S3033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO COLONEL KEITH ZUEGEL

 Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I want to take a moment to honor 
COL Keith W. Zuegel of the U.S. Air Force on the occasion of his 
retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to our country.
  After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1982, Colonel Zuegel 
logged nearly 2,000 flying hours across four aircraft and six 
airframes, including the F-111 ``Aardvark,'' achieving a master 
navigator rating. He skillfully served in numerous operational tours, 
including assignments and experience ranging from the United States to 
Europe and the Pacific. Of distinct importance, his skills were put to 
the test during the opening night of Operation Desert Storm. On January 
17, 1991, young Captain Zuegel distinguished himself in an attack on a 
heavily fortified target near Ali Al Salem Airfield, Kuwait. In the 
face of heavy antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air-missiles launched 
against them, Captain Zuegel, the F-111 weapons system officer, and his 
aircraft commander elected to continue their attack. Their destruction 
of a hardened aircraft shelter greatly diminished the Iraqi Air Force, 
clearing the way for the eventual ground campaign to liberate Kuwait. 
His heroic combat efforts that evening earned him a Silver Star.
  Following his operational assignments, Colonel Zuegel served in a 
variety of staff assignments, working for the Secretary of the Air 
Force, the Commander of U.S. European Command, the Commander of Joint 
Forces Command, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His 
experiences in those posts served him well, preparing him for the ``big 
leagues''--Director of the Air Force's Congressional Budget and 
Appropriation Liaison Office. In this role, he directed all Air Force 
congressional appropriations work on the hill for the last 3 years, as 
well as routine engagements and testimony by the Air Force's senior 
leadership with Congress. Through those interactions, my fellow Members 
of Congress have come to view him as a trusted ambassador in blue. The 
Secretary of the Air Force said that ``Zeugs is a key guy in the Air 
Force,'' while the chairman of both defense appropriations 
subcommittees lauded his efforts. Speaking personally, I have 
benefitted from Colonel Zuegel's work arranging congressional travel 
more than once and have always found him to be not only a consummate 
professional and an astute representative of the Air Force but also a 
gracious host and a wonderful travelling companion.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our deep appreciation 
to Colonel Zuegel for his outstanding service. His character and 
dedication demonstrate the best of our Armed Forces. Colonel Zuegel has 
been a friend to my office, my constituents in North Dakota, and me. On 
the occasion of his retirement, I wish Keith and his family all the 
very best in the years to come.

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