[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1310-E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT RICHARD R. ONSGARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Chief Master Sergeant Richard R. Onsgard, Command Chief Sergeant for 
the 146th Airlift Wing for the Channel Islands Air National Guard 
Station, on the special occasion of his retirement from a distinguished 
and exemplary career.
  Chief Onsgard has had a remarkable and admirable career enlisting in 
the Air National Guard in 1972, serving the Los Angeles Fire Department 
for 24 years and rising to the rank of Engineer, and being selected in 
1996 as First Sergeant of the 115th Airlift Squadron. Answering his 
country's call of duty, Chief Onsgard was activated for Operation Noble 
Eagle and assigned to a Marine Expeditionary Force. In addition to 
serving on active duty for both Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi 
Freedom, Chief Onsgard has supported missions for the National Guard 
Bureau in many areas including logistics and planning.
  As the senior ranking enlisted member of the 146th Airlift Wing, 
Chief Onsgard has served as the Command Chief and the principal advisor 
to the wing commander on areas pertaining to the welfare, health, 
morale, progress, and efficient utilization of all the enlisted members 
assigned to the wing. In addition to his honorable service, Chief 
Onsgard has served as the representative to the wing commander and the 
enlisted force on committees, councils, boards, and has represented the 
enlisted force at military and civilian functions.

[[Page E1311]]

  His work has earned him many accolades and awards that mirror his 
personal vigor and professional work ethic. These honors include the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air 
Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 
which are but a few of the decorations that showcase his long career 
path of achievements.
  Chief Onsgard's lifetime career of servant leadership and his many 
accomplishments are indicative of his unwavering commitment and 
dedication to his country and community. As this chapter in his career 
comes to an end, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Chief 
Onsgard's years of honorable and selfless service that greatly 
contributed to the success of the United States Air National Guard's 
mission.
  For these reasons, I commend Chief Master Sergeant Richard Onsgard 
and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

                          ____________________