[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE RETIREMENT OF MASTER SERGEANT RODNEY T. ERICKSON FROM THE 
                    PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I recognize Master Sergeant Rodney T. 
Erickson for 30 years of exemplary service in the Pennsylvania Air 
National Guard.
   MSgt. Erickson joined the Air National Guard on July 20, 1984, and 
for the past 30 years has admirably served his community, the 
commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the United States of America. 
Throughout his career, he has received countless medals and awards 
honoring him such as the Air Force achievement medal, the Meritorious 
Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense 
Service Medal. He has also been the recipient of numerous Pennsylvania 
awards including the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, the Pennsylvania 
Governors Unit Citation, the Pennsylvania 20 Year Service Medal, and 
the Pennsylvania General Thomas J. Stewart Medal.
   MSgt. Erickson began his career as a member of the Propulsion 
Section, during which he was deployed overseas for multiple operations 
including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom. 
Upon his promotion to become a Master Sergeant and supervisor of the 
Propulsion Section, he masterfully guided the group through a 
transitional phase of changing aircraft while many members of the unit 
were being deployed. Despite the limited manpower, through his 
leadership and example, the transition was successful and a highly 
trained workforce was able to maintain unit efficiency. Joining MSgt. 
Erickson in celebrating his retirement is his wife Dorothy and his 
children.
   Mr. Speaker, MSgt. Rodney T. Erickson has been described as 
representing the very best of our citizen soldiers. I congratulate him 
and his family on his retirement from the Pennsylvania Air National 
Guard and thank him for his service to the commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.

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