[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL JAMES DEREK HILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Brigadier General James Derek Hill of the Iowa Air National Guard and 
to congratulate him on his illustrious 29-year military career.
   General Hill began his military service in 1985 upon receiving his 
commission through Direct Appointment. Eighteen years later, General 
Hill joined the Iowa Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel and has 
faithfully devoted the following decade to guiding our state's men and 
women in uniform. General Hill retired as the Iowa Air National Guard's 
Deputy Adjutant General where he served as principal advisor to Iowa's 
Adjutant General while organizing, manning, equipping, and training 
more than 1,800 airmen to accomplish missions assigned at both the 
state and national level. General Hill's unfailing leadership has 
proven to be instrumental in preparing the men and women of the Iowa 
Air National Guard for numerous successful deployments in an often 
chaotic and unpredictable environment.
   Throughout nearly three decades of selfless service, General Hill 
has earned numerous decorations for his consistent leadership and 
uncompromising standards. Most recently, General Hill was nominated by 
Iowa's Adjutant General Timothy Orr to receive the hallowed Legion of 
Merit for his ``exceptionally meritorious conduct'' as Iowa's Assistant 
Adjutant General over the past four years. I believe it goes without 
saying that the Iowa Air National Guard's world-renowned 21st century 
capabilities would not be possible without the positive and 
professional guidance expertly offered by General Hill over the past 
decade.
   Mr. Speaker, our country owes Brigadier General James Derek Hill a 
great debt of gratitude for his decades of selfless service and 
sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to his country and fellow 
Americans is a testament to our nation's service members and our great 
state. I know my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives will join me in thanking General Hill and 
congratulating him on a truly stellar career. In retirement, General 
Hill leaves behind a grateful state and nation and I wish him, and his 
wife Rhonda, the very best as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

                          ____________________