[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1288-E1289]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL GARY P. GOLDSTONE OF THE UNITED 
                            STATES AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY CARDENAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of California's 29th district, I 
am proud to honor one of our most distinguished constituents and 
homegrown heroes, Colonel Gary P. Goldstone of the United States Air 
Force. On August 6, 2014, Colonel Goldstone is retiring, after an 
incredible 26 years and 19 days of active duty service.
   Colonel Goldstone has served our great country with dedication and 
honor beginning his military career as a candidate in the United States 
Air Force Officer Training School. He was commissioned a Second 
Lieutenant in 1989. In the time since then, Colonel Goldstone's career 
epitomizes leadership and selfless service. He has served his country 
extraordinarily well as a Commander at the Squadron, Group, Wing, and 
Installation levels of command. During those challenging command tours 
he deployed into austere conditions in foreign lands to command flying 
operations in combat and humanitarian missions. Further, Colonel 
Goldstone has flown all over the world as a command pilot in a variety 
of aircraft in service to the United States.
   Colonel Goldstone attended California State University, Northridge, 
and graduated in 1987. He went on to earn his commission and the 
coveted Air Force pilot wings of silver at

[[Page E1289]]

Laughlin Air Force Base Texas in the Smooth and Easy Class of 1990-07. 
He has nearly 4,000 flying hours (including over 630 hours of combat 
time) in the following aircraft: T-37, T-38, C-130E/H, EC-130H, EC-
130J, KC-135R/T, C-17A, and C-21A. Colonel Goldstone's career has taken 
him to foreign lands and harsh living conditions and to the dynamic 
environment of the Chairman's Joint Staff in the Pentagon, the 
Headquarters Air Force Staff in the Pentagon, and the Headquarters Air 
Mobility Command Staff. Additionally, Colonel Goldstone has held key 
positions on every staff and concludes his career as Chief of the 
Strategic Planning Integration Division in the Directorate of Strategic 
Planning. He also serves as Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Air 
Force Total Force Task Force and the Total Force Continuum.
   As testament to his exceptional service, Colonel Goldstone's 
military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion 
of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak 
leaf clusters, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Aerial 
Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
   Colonel Goldstone's wife of 25 years, Mary Goldstone, has also 
supported the Air Force mission, actively volunteering and holding a 
variety of positions primarily with spouse and family support 
organizations. Notably, she was instrumental in reactivating the 16th 
Airlift Squadron spouses group while at Charleston Air Force Base, 
South Carolina. Through her tireless commitment she expanded the group 
from approximately 30 spouses to 120 spouses by the time the Goldstones 
departed in June 2004. During this time she helped sponsor numerous 
morale-building socials, fundraisers, and welcome/farewells. These 
activities were vital toward promoting unity of effort and support for 
families, especially when active-duty members were deployed conducting 
combat operations.
   During Colonel Goldstone's tour as the Scott Air Force Base Illinois 
Installation Commander, Mary shined as ``The First Lady of Scott Air 
Force Base'' by continuing her steadfast work primarily with families 
and spouses through groups such as Phoenix Spouses, Heartlink, and 
Newcomer's Orientations for spouses. She also worked closely with the 
Airman and Family Readiness Center to restart and revitalize various 
key programs.
   Colonel and Mrs. Goldstone have two children, Garrett and Danielle. 
It is with great pride and honor that I extend my heartfelt 
appreciation to Colonel Gary Goldstone and his family for all of their 
sacrifice and service, and wish them well in all future endeavors.
   Colonel Goldstone has set a truly inspiring example of dedication to 
the defense of freedom, service before self, and what it means to be an 
Officer and Gentleman.

                          ____________________