[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ROBERT DUNCAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD ROKITA

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true model 
Hoosier and American upon his retirement.
  For nearly 40 years, Mr. Robert Duncan has been the backbone of 
aviation law in Indiana. As a leader in the aviation community, Mr. 
Duncan has helped author, advocated for and implemented the most 
innovative aviation policy in the country for the State of Indiana and 
the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA). Mr. Duncan has played a 
pivotal role in the growth of the Indianapolis Airport, and ultimately, 
central Indiana and the country. The special attention Mr. Duncan has 
paid to successfully balancing the growth of our Indiana's main 
International Airport, with the protection of the rights of private 
citizens a high priority, is a model for economic growth and personal 
freedom in any industry. His efforts are a part of Indiana's Comeback 
story.
  More specifically, Mr. Duncan was the lead negotiator on all central 
Indiana aviation-related land acquisition during his years of service 
to Indiana. Notably, the expansion of the airport, as well as land 
acquisitions for the smaller community airports nearby, has enabled the 
growth that the IAA has contributed to the Hoosier state. In addition, 
Mr. Duncan was directly responsible for the placement of a United 
States Postal Service hub with the IAA. With the establishment of this 
hub, it laid the groundwork that would attract other private sector 
package carriers and logistics companies that now operate in 
Indianapolis and nearby communities. The economic impact these 
expansions have had is immeasurable. I see the fruits of Bob's efforts 
everyday in West Central Indiana.
  With a long list of accolades for his years of leadership, Mr. Duncan 
has been named the Indiana Aviation Man of the Year, as well as 
receiving a Special Recognition Award from the Aviation Association of 
Indiana. Throughout his career, Mr. Duncan has made it a habit to 
assist other airports with legal matters, at no cost, aiding growth and 
demonstrating the dedication and passion he has with the aviation 
community throughout the state, to the benefit of all Hoosiers and 
travelers to and from our state.
  Mr. Duncan also routinely volunteers his time for charitable efforts, 
both in aviation and in his local community. From his efforts with the 
Brownsburg Public Library to his coaching of basketball and softball, 
Mr. Duncan has the heart of a true public servant. Additionally, Mr. 
Duncan has routinely flown charitable Angel Flights throughout the 
country, to aide those in need of transportation for medical treatment 
without the means to travel. I am particularly familiar with this type 
of program, and Bob and I have piloted several Angel Flights together.
  As a graduate of Hanover College and Indiana University's School of 
Law, Bob contributes back to the education of others interested in 
aviation and aviation law. Bob is a supervising private flight 
instructor, as well as an adjunct professor in aviation law at Indiana 
University's School of Law, Indianapolis.
  Hoosiers especially, and Americans, are lucky to have benefited from 
the years of dedicated service in planning and abundant expertise 
provided by Mr. Duncan for nearly four decades. His volunteerism is an 
added classic Hoosier trait. Bob has exemplified the essence of Hoosier 
values with his commonsense leadership and dedication to the betterment 
of our great state. For his efforts and ethics, I am proud to commend 
this Hoosier, Robert Duncan, upon his pending retirement.

                          ____________________