[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 39 (Monday, March 18, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MARK E. WEATHERINGTON

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize and congratulate the service of Col. Mark E. Weatherington, 
who will be ending his command at Ellsworth Air Force Base in early 
April.
  An Air Force Academy graduate, Colonel Weatherington has served in 
many leadership and flying positions over his impressive 23-year 
career. He is a B-1 pilot with 2,400 flight hours. Among his many 
assignments, Colonel Weatherington has served as commander of the 28th 
Bomb Wing at both Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB; served as chief of staff 
of the Air Force Fellow; was a National Defense Fellow with the 
Brookings Institution; and previously served at Ellsworth AFB as chief 
of weapons and tactics and then assistant operations officer of the 
77th Bomb Squadron and wing weapons officer of the 28th Operations 
Support Squadron.
  Colonel Weatherington has served as commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, 
Ellsworth Air Force Base, the largest B-1 combat wing in the U.S. Air 
Force, since May 2011. He has distinguished himself during his 2-year 
stint at the South Dakota installation. He has provided expert guidance 
during the process to bring the first MQ-9 Reaper squadron, the 432nd 
Attack Squadron, to Ellsworth Air Force Base, while maintaining the 
great legacy of the B-1 aircraft and the personnel of the 28th Bomb 
Wing. Last year, Colonel Weatherington presided over Ellsworth Air 
Force Base's 70th Anniversary festivities.
  Colonel Weatherington's current stint at Ellsworth Air Force Base has 
lasted just shy of 2 years, but he has provided a lasting impact, 
overseeing 4,300 military and civilian personnel in the day-to-day 
operations of the base, as well as the ongoing rotation of airmen to 
overseas action in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He has 
maintained a strong relationship between the Base and Black Hills 
communities, namely Rapid City and Box Elder. For decades there has 
been a very warm and cordial relationship between Black Hills 
residents, businesses, and charitable organizations and the personnel 
and leadership command of Ellsworth Air Force Base. Colonel 
Weatherington has been committed to maintaining this bond. The 
relationship between the civilian and military communities remains very 
strong, and this relationship continues to make the Black Hills a great 
retirement option for military retirees who once served at Ellsworth 
Air Force Base.
  Colonel Weatherington will now move to the Pentagon where he will 
serve as Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Dr. 
Ashton Carter. This role will bring new challenges and 
responsibilities, but I know the leadership, professionalism, and 
stewardship Colonel Weatherington showed during his time at Ellsworth 
Air Force Base will serve him well at the Pentagon and throughout his 
career. I commend Colonel Weatherington for his service to Ellsworth 
Air Force Base and his continued service to the U.S. Air Force. I wish 
him, Stephanie, and their family all the best in future 
endeavors.

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