[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 184 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE INAUGURAL CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN 
   COMMENDATION FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS--ROBERT ``BOB'' KINNE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2011

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to announce 
before my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives the 
names of eleven distinguished military veterans and community servants 
who call the Third District of Texas home. For their selfless service 
and dedication to their neighbors and nation, the following individuals 
have been selected as recipients of the inaugural Congressional Veteran 
Commendation:
  Robert ``Bob'' Kinne retired as a United States Air Force Lieutenant 
Colonel in 1973 after 21 years of honorable service. A distinguished 
fighter pilot of exceptional skill, Kinne flew numerous combat missions 
over Vietnam.
  During one run in 1966, he was involved in a midair collision over 
Hanoi. When several surface to air missiles were launched at Kinne and 
his wingman, the wingman lost sight of Kinne's F-4 and collided with 
him at 8,000 feet. The plane was heavily damaged, but Kinne was able to 
recover after falling to about 2,000 feet. Against all odds, he made it 
back to Da Nang Air Base safely. For these and other missions Kinne has 
received three Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight Air Medals, a Bronze 
Star, and two Meritorious Service Medals.
  Upon his retirement in 1973, Kinne joined the business jet community 
working his way up to head of aviation for the Associates First Capital 
Corporation. He flew around the world many times, and enjoyed 
transporting dignitaries including President George H.W. Bush.
  Kinne now resides in McKinney, Texas. A member of the Red River 
Valley Fighter Association, National Air and Space Society, and 
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Kinne contributes to our 
community by sharing his love of aircraft and flying with the next 
generation. He also assists numerous Boy Scouts with their badges, 
Eagle Scout projects, and those with plans for future military service.
  It is my pleasure to name Bob Kinne a recipient of the inaugural 
Congressional Veteran Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

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