[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL WILLIAM B. WALKUP--TENNESSEE AIR NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2015

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel William B. 
Walkup, Commander of the Tennessee National Guard's 118th Wing, Mission 
Support Group.
   After 32 years of dedicated service to our state and country, 
Colonel Walkup has announced his retirement, effective April 18, 2015.
   Through the numerous roles and positions of leadership, Colonel 
Walkup has made a lasting impact on the guardsmen of the 118th Wing and 
our state's Air National Guard.
   Over the past three decades, Colonel Walkup was a Squadron 
Navigator, Chief of Current Operations, Chief Navigator, Operations 
Support Squadron Commander, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander and 
Maintenance Group Commander. Colonel Walkup has participated in 
deployments to the Middle East, Europe, Central and South America, and 
Southwest Asia. He has flown combat and support missions in Somalia, 
Bosnia and Southwest Asia.
   While deployed abroad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Walkup 
served as the 485th Deputy Maintenance Group Commander, in charge of 
the largest C-130 contingent in the war with 46 assigned aircrafts. In 
addition, Colonel Walkup served as the 486th and 332nd Maintenance 
Group Commander, during which he successfully lead over two hundred 
members in humanitarian, logistics and aircraft maintenance support 
with deployments to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and 
Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Joint Forge, the 
Global War on Terrorism, and Operation Unified Response.
   Colonel Walkup's success as a guardsman is the product of hard work, 
an exceptional level of dedication, and a love for country that is 
unparalleled.
   Mr. Speaker, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a 
testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that has marked Colonel 
Walkup's exemplary service in the Tennessee Air National Guard. I, 
along with the citizens of a grateful state and nation, extend a 
heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service to this great country and 
wish him the very best upon his retirement.

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