[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 155 (Wednesday, December 1, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING MAJ. GEN. (RET.) CHARLES METCALF

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 1, 2010

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to join the people of 
Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating Maj. Gen. 
(Ret.) Charles Metcalf upon his retirement as director of the National 
Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
  Prior to his service as director, he served in the U.S. Air Force for 
nearly 36 years on active duty in a variety of financial management and 
planning positions, retiring in 1991 in the grade of major general. His 
awards and honors include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf 
cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.
  Following his retirement from active duty, General Metcalf began his 
service as head administer for the museum in 1996 and in 2005 he was 
appointed to the Senior Executive Service.
  For the last 14 years he has managed the world's largest and oldest 
military aviation museum. The internationally acclaimed museum is 
located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and 
portrays the heritage and traditions of the Air Force through 
specialized exhibits.
  Under General Metcalf's management, the museum had flourished. In 
2003, the museum began a long-term, multi-phased expansion with the 
building of the Eugene W. Kettering Cold War Gallery and the Missile 
Gallery, as well as the renovations to the Korean War exhibit. With 
these new additions, the museum provides more than 17 acres of indoor 
exhibition space. Future plans call for a Space Gallery, a Presidential 
Aircraft Interpretive Center, and a Global Reach Gallery.
  During his tenure, General Metcalf increased museum attendance from 
800,000 to nearly 1.4 million visitors and achieved the highest 
national recognition for a museum, the American Association of Museums 
accreditation in 1998 and reaccreditation in 2008.
  General Metcalf also led the charge in changing the name of the 
museum, which was previously known as the United States Air Force 
Museum. The change reinforces the museum's national mission and its 
world-class collection, placing it at a level with the Smithsonian 
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the National Museum of 
Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, and the National Museum of the 
Marine Corps.
  General Metcalf has been dedicated to supporting the motto of the 
museum, ``we are the keepers of their stories.'' He will forever be 
remembered for his advocacy for preserving our heritage to honor our 
veterans, many who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. The work 
he has done will stand as a lasting monument to the memory of those who 
have gone before, as well as his dedication to the exploration of our 
nation's history.
  In addition to his duties as director, he provides technical and 
professional guidance to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program which 
includes 12 Air Force field museums and 260 domestic and international 
heritage sites.
  He also was very active outside of his work at the museum and 
currently serves as the vice president of the Central Region for Boy 
Scouts of America, as well as on the organization's Leadership and 
Standards Committee. He is a former member of the Oakwood, Ohio City 
Council, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the 
Greater Dayton United Way, Ohio; the Board of Trustees for the County 
Corp Development, Dayton, Ohio; the Board of Directors for Greater 
Dayton Public Television, Ohio; and the National Alumni Board, Michigan 
State University.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me and the 
constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating 
General Charles Metcalf for his outstanding service to our nation and 
the State of Ohio. His work today has ensured that the museum will see 
many future successes and our nation's history will be preserved for 
generations to come.

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