[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 101 (Thursday, July 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MR. ARTHUR J. MYERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 1, 2010

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Arthur 
J. Myers. He served his country for almost 50 years, providing 
deployable combat support for warfighters and community services for 
those left behind. I have been privileged to work with him for a number 
of years on issues of concern to military members and their families.
  Mr. Myers enlisted in the Air Force and served 20 years in key 
morale, welfare, and recreation, MWR, and financial positions. His 
civilian career took him from club manager to director of MWR for 
several major commands. He was hand-picked to become the first deputy 
director for the new Air Force MWR organization, and was later promoted 
to the Director of Air Force Services.
  His leadership and vision shaped one of the most progressive and 
expansive quality of life programs in the military, with significant 
positive impact on Airmen and their families.
  He deployed Airmen to provide foodservice, lodging, fitness, and 
other programs for contingency operations, personally visiting even the 
most remote sites and forward bases.
  His ``Fit to Fight'' program resulted in a 30 percent increase in 
fitness center usage, a 2-point improvement in fitness scores, and an 
aggressive program to upgrade fitness facilities.
  He expanded quality affordable child care by over 4,000 spaces and 
established a new subsidy for those unable to get into base childcare 
facilities, saving parents money and keeping family emergencies from 
disrupting the mission.
  He operated the port mortuary at Dover Air Force Base for members of 
all Services killed in action, others who die overseas, and 
occasionally victims of Stateside mass casualties. His plan for media 
access to the Dover Mortuary was approved by the President, reversing a 
long-standing ban on media coverage for the arrival of remains of 
fallen military members.
  He pioneered the Survivor Assistance Program to assist families of 
deceased members, and later expanded the program to care for Airmen 
wounded in action.
  He energized industry leaders, trade groups and professional 
associations to sponsor new programs and services, scholarships, 
promotional activities, training and certification program for managers 
and staff, and outreach programs.
  He testified at numerous Congressional hearings, and met often with 
the First Lady and senior Administration leaders on programs to enhance 
quality of life for service members and their families.
  Mr. Myers was consistently recognized with numerous military and 
civilian awards, including three Presidential Rank Awards and the 
Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He received 
the Leadership Award from the International Military Community 
Executives Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American 
Logistics Association, and a National Service to Youth Award from the 
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which also inducted him into their 
Alumni Hall of Fame. However, his highest honor came when the top 
senior enlisted leaders in the Air Force made him an honorary Chief 
Master Sergeant.
  Over the years, Mr. Myers built a highly-effective team to maintain 
our Nation's number one weapons system: the Airmen. His efforts tied 
directly to Air Force success in combat arenas and on the home front. 
As he retires now for the second time, I want to thank him on behalf of 
the citizens of this country. He leaves a lasting legacy of support for 
generations of Airmen and their families, and I know he will continue 
to be a strong advocate for them.

                          ____________________