[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 71 (Monday, May 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING DUKE BRUNELLI

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I congratulate Duke Brunelli of 
Sparks, NV, on his recent retirement from Southwest Airlines. I am 
proud to honor a Nevadan who has dedicated his life to serving our 
country.
  As an attendee of the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Brunelli was deployed 
all over the world, including Vietnam, where the love of his country 
and the want to serve began. After graduation, he attended flight 
school in Pensacola, earning his Navy pilot wings. Duke then went on to 
complete jet transition training in San Diego and completed eight 
assignments aboard aircraft carriers. Through his accomplishments, Duke 
was promoted to commanding officer of the Golden Eagles, which were 
designated the safest jet-setting squadron in the Navy, while also 
graduating more pilots than any other squadron.
  After completing his tour as commanding officer, Duke was ordered 
aboard the USS Midway, where he was involved in combat operations 
during Operation Desert Storm. He also successfully brought the Navy's 
oldest fleet carrier back to San Diego for decommissioning, where today 
it stands as a museum. Returning to Japan, Duke finished out his naval 
career as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations for Commander Fleet 
Air Western Pacific, where he retired from the Navy in 1994. Upon his 
retirement from the Navy, Mr. Brunelli started work as a commericial 
pilot, flying for Polar Air Cargo and Southwest Airlines for the past 
20 years.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Duke Brunelli for his courageous 
contributions to the United States of America and to freedom-loving 
nations around the world. His service to his country, and his bravery 
and dedication earn him a place among the outstanding men and women who 
have valiantly defended our nation. As a member of the Senate Veterans' 
Affairs Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not 
only to honor these brave individuals who serve our Nation, but also to 
ensure they are cared for when they return home. I remain committed to 
upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers in Nevada 
and throughout the nation.
  Throughout his tenure, Duke has demonstrated professionalism, 
commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of 
the U.S. Navy. I am both humbled and honored by his service and am 
proud to call him a fellow Nevadan. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing Mr. Brunelli for all of his accomplishments and wish him 
well in all of his future endeavors.

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