[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ROBERT J. ARNOLD ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 38 
                     YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 18, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise to recognize Mr. Robert J. Arnold, Chief Technologist, 96th Test 
Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, on the occasion of his retirement after 38 
years distinguished public service to the United States Air Force and 
our great nation.
  Mr. Arnold's career began in industry, performing and later managing 
missile, A-7, and F-8 weapons programs at numerous test and evaluation 
facilities. In previous positions with the Air Force, he led A-10 and 
F-15 weapons test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, California. 
During his outstanding career, he managed test and evaluation programs 
involving practically every type of weapon and aircraft in the Air 
Force inventory. He formed the Corporate Plans Office for the Air Force 
Development Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, establishing 
and leading the Center's strategic planning program, institutionalizing 
modernization planning, and implementing a command-wide ``Single-Face-
to-Customer'' office. Upon formation of the Air Armament Center at 
Eglin Air Force Base, he established the Plans and Programs Directorate 
for the Center and led planning for the inaugural Air Armament Summit 
to shape the future of air armament and joint service test and training 
infrastructure.
  Mr. Arnold's record as a leader and his ability to form partnerships 
at all levels of government is unsurpassed. He was hand-picked by Air 
Staff to serve as the Interim Deputy Director for the Defense Test 
Resource Management Center (DTRMC) where he orchestrated preparation of 
the initial DTRMC DoD Strategic Plan for test and evaluation resources.
  Without his care and stewardship as Chairman of the Eglin 
Encroachment Committee, mission critical natural resources might never 
have been preserved. His leadership enhanced community partnerships in 
the Eglin community and throughout the State of Florida.
  Mr. Arnold's contributions to range sustainment, encroachment and the 
test and evaluation field as a whole have saved millions, brought him 
national recognition and benchmarked a number of innovative processes 
that will stand the test of time. His talents and overall knowledge and 
understanding of the Air Force mission will be greatly missed.
  Mr. Speaker, it is only on rare occasions that we find men of such 
exceptional character as Bob Arnold. He left his indelible mark on the 
Air Force and the Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United 
States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bob and 
his wife, Myra. My wife, Vicki, and I wish them the best for continued 
success.

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