[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL STANFORD ``STAN'' E. BROWN, USAF, (RET)

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside, CA are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have 
dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly 
give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to 
live and work. Brigadier General Stanford ``Stan'' E. Brown, USAF, 
(Ret) is one of these individuals. On March 27, 2014, Stan will be 
honored as the 2013 ``Citizen of the Year'' at the Riverside Chamber of 
Commerce Installation Dinner.
  On December 25, 1928, Stan was born in the college town of Champaign, 
Illinois, to Rose Marie and Gilbert Brown. Stan grew up watching his 
father establish a successful career as a police officer, and listening 
to stories of his mother's family emigrating from Sicily. Times were 
tough and the Great Depression had hit the family living on one income 
hard. Stan's natural entrepreneurial spirit proved useful, and the 
family was able to survive on the income generated by the chicken coup 
he set up in their basement and the lush garden in their backyard. His 
athletic nature eventually earned him a baseball scholarship to serve 
as starting pitcher at the University of Illinois.
  Though his passion for America's greatest pastime was strong and 
could have turned into a career, Stan felt a greater calling to serve 
his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He 
left his sweetheart, Beverly, behind, but would come back shortly 
thereafter to marry her. Stan's natural leadership ability was noticed 
within the Air Force, and afforded him the opportunity to move up very 
quickly in the enlisted ranks. After earning an officer's commission, 
Beverly, Stan, and their three boys Stan Jr., Bradley, and Gilbert, 
took up military life as they moved frequently from base to base. A 
successful application for pilot's school would eventually send him all 
over the world and up the chain of command. He experienced many an 
adventure: from flying reconnaissance jet missions over the Soviet 
Union, to a combat tour doing classified missions in Vietnam.
  In July 1973, Stan and his family would be transferred to a brand new 
terrain, sunny Southern California at March Air Force Base (March AFB). 
By August 1975, he had excelled in many positions, and eventually 
earned one of the top jobs on site, Wing Commander. Though he had lived 
all over the country, Stan had never quite experienced anything like 
the camaraderie at March AFB. During his time there, he was credited 
with starting the Airman's Picnic, the Riverside Trophy Dinner, leading 
the 22nd Bombardment Wing to become one of the most prestigious in the 
Strategic Air Command, and establishing the land space that would 
eventually become the Riverside National Cemetery. He had formed 
invaluable friendships with individuals who provided him counsel 
throughout his time at his next assignment serving at the Pentagon and 
over his many years with the Strategic Air Command.
  Though he was transferred to the Pentagon 1977, Stan could never seem 
to get the Inland Empire off of his mind after leaving behind many 
friends and family members. With hard work and dedication, Stan 
achieved the rank of Brigadier General in a matter of two years. A 
multitude of assignments came his way, until four years later he 
finally retired from the service as commander of the Defense Nuclear 
Agency at Kirtland AFB, N.M. With his retirement from the service came 
a new opportunity to serve as Vice President of Northrop Corp, an 
experience that eventually gave him the skills necessary to start his 
own defense company in Southern California.
  After quite a ride, Stan made the decision to officially retire in 
Riverside where his wife Beverly continued to fight cancer; sadly, a 
battle she would lose in 2002. Despite this, Stan had grown to love the 
community and became even more involved projects throughout the Inland 
Empire. He began planning of the Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside 
National Cemetery, which led him to become the founder of the 
cemetery's Monuments and Memorial Committee established to make 
decisions regarding future memorials. Because of his clear leadership, 
Stan was appointed by the National Cemetery Administration to its 
Advisory Committee on Monuments and Memorials in 2004, which allowed 
him to assist other cemeteries throughout the nation in developing 
their programs and planning boards.
  Stan's experience created a need for his involvement in development 
for the March Joint Powers Authority. He also earned appointment to the 
Riverside Planning Commission in 2003, where he served two terms, would 
keep him actively involved in the community. Currently, Stan chairs an 
advisory committee aimed at establishing a U.S. Veteran Initiative at 
March Air Reserve Base, which would provide job training to U.S. 
Veterans.
  Stan is most known as an effective leader with a natural ability to 
organize the efforts and goodwill of others. He proudly served his 
country with the love and support of his family, and went on to 
contribute to the character of the Inland Empire as a keen businessman. 
Considering all that Stan has done for Riverside, the Riverside Chamber 
of Commerce named him their 2013 Citizen of the Year. Stan's tireless 
passion for service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our 
country and community. He has been an inspiration to many and I am 
proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I 
know that many community members are grateful for his service and 
salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

                          ____________________