[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 50 (Thursday, April 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL PHILIP M. RUHLMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 7, 2011

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and pay tribute to 
Brigadier General Philip M. Ruhlman for 31 years of service and 
dedication to the United States Air Force. He currently serves as the 
Director of Manpower, Organization and Resources in Washington, D.C., 
and will retire from active duty on May 1, 2011. He will be missed by 
many.
  Brigadier General Ruhlman graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy 
in 1980, and earned his wings the following year. He received his first 
assignment as a jump-qualified battalion air liaison officer and 
forward air controller, flying the O-2A Skymaster. He transitioned to 
the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and has since flown every version assigned to 
the Air Force. In 1987, he earned a master's degree in Aeronautical 
Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has also served 
as a National Defense Fellow and Air Force Fellow for the National 
Defense University, and as a Senior Executive Fellow for the John F. 
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
  A command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours, Brigadier General 
Ruhlman has led a fighter squadron, fighter operations group, and two 
wings--including the largest operational F-16 fighter wing in the Air 
Force. He flew 43 F-16 combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait during 
Operation Desert Storm, and served as a wing weapons officer, 
instructor pilot, and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation. His 
staff assignments include joint element, major command, direct 
reporting unit, Air Staff and NATO levels serving at home and abroad.
  Throughout his career, Brigadier General Ruhlman's exemplary service 
earned him numerous awards and military decorations. During his command 
of the 36th Wing on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, he was instrumental 
in resolving road access issues for landlocked properties contiguous to 
the base. His efforts to find solutions to these issues demonstrated 
his commitment to building and maintaining a positive relationship 
between the civilian and military communities. In addition, I wish to 
recognize Brigadier General Ruhlman's efforts in implementing the Joint 
Region Marianas--a collaboration between the Air Force and the U.S. 
Navy that provides installation support for all components of the 
Department of the Defense on Guam and in the Northern Mariana Islands. 
Brigadier General Ruhlman was always a staunch advocate for Guam and 
understood the need for greater collaboration with the local government 
to make the military build-up a success. His efforts were successful, 
in great part, because of the leadership and guidance that he received 
from leaders in the Air Force like retired General Howie Chandler.
  Mr. Speaker, Brigadier General Ruhlman distinguished himself as an 
exceptional leader during his career with the U.S. Air Force. His 
commitment and dedication will be remembered for many years to come. I 
trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing the very 
best to General Ruhlman, his wife Lina, and son, Alex on their future 
endeavors.

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