[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 35 (Monday, March 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E283-E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF MAJOR JOSEPH REYNES, JR., 
                    UNITED STATES AIR FORCE RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of 
Northwest Florida's beloved Major Joseph Reynes, Jr., United States Air 
Force Retired, who passed away on February 23, 2015. Major Reynes was a 
decorated veteran, committed public servant, and a loving family man, 
who served our Nation with honor and distinction. The Northwest Florida 
community mourns the loss of a great and compassionate man.
   Born on March 1, 1934, in Medina, New York, to Joseph and Alice Jay 
Reynes, Major Reynes developed a fascination for fighter aircraft as a 
young child growing up on Long Island. While attending the State 
University of

[[Page E284]]

New York at Buffalo, Major Reynes pursued his passion for flying and 
was commissioned in the United States Air Force in January 1955. Within 
months, Major Reynes pinned on his wings and was assigned to the 774th 
Troop Carrier Squadron at Ardmore Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he 
would meet his future bride, LaRita Dawn Foster.
   In 1960, upon completion of advanced fighter training at Nellis Air 
Force Base, Major Reynes received his orders as a fighter pilot in 44th 
Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, and 
then in 1962, was assigned to the 481st Tactical Fighter Squadron at 
Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Major Reynes deployed during the 
Vietnam War to DaNang Air Base, where he flew the A1E/H and T-28. 
During a combat support mission in September 1965, his plane was shot 
down. Major Reynes was rescued and later assigned to Luke Air Force 
Base as a F-100 Instructor Pilot. In 1968, he was promoted to the rank 
of Major, and in 1969, he joined the ``Iron Hand'' support missions 
flying over North Vietnam. Major Reynes completed his final tour at 5th 
Air Force Headquarters in Tokyo as the Chief of Standard Evaluation.
   Throughout his distinguished Air Force Career, Major Reynes earned 
and was bestowed multiple honors including the Distinguished Service 
Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak 
Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with eighteen Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal with 
Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of 
Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force 
Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness 
Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
   Upon his retirement from the Armed Forces, Major Reynes continued 
his service to our Nation as an active member of the local community. 
In 1980, he was first elected as Mayor of Gulf Breeze, Florida and 
served two terms. He also served as Deacon of Pensacola Beach Community 
Church and volunteered his time to assist local area veterans.
   Some of his greatest moments, however, were spent coaching his son 
Joe's and grandson Harrison's baseball teams, as well as the Chofu High 
and Gulf Breeze High track teams, alongside his children. To his family 
and friends, Major Reynes will always be remembered as a loving 
husband, devoted father of three, and proud grandfather of six, and his 
contributions to our Nation and Northwest Florida will not be 
forgotten.
   Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to 
recognize the life and dedicated service of Major Joseph Reynes, Jr. My 
wife, Vicki, joins me in extending our deepest prayers and condolences 
to his wife LaRita Foster Reynes; children, Major General Joseph 
Reynes, Jr., Lisa Marie Reynes, Jeannette Prochaska; grandchildren; and 
the entire Reynes family.

                          ____________________