[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 162 (Monday, November 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1568-E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE SERVICE OF MAJOR GENERAL EDWARD W. TONINI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 2, 2015

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service of a very 
distinguished Kentuckian, Major General Edward Tonini. He currently 
serves the Commonwealth as the 51st Adjutant General and retires in 
2015.
   General Tonini's career began as an enlisted member of the 123rd 
Tactical Reconnaissance Wing of the Kentucky Air National Guard. He 
received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Guard in 
1970. He earned many awards and decorations for his service in the Air 
National Guard, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, 
the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf 
Cluster), and an Air Force Commendation Medal. He rose through the 
ranks to become Chief of Staff of the Kentucky Air National Guard. In 
2001, he went on

[[Page E1569]]

to serve as Director of Your Guardians of Freedom at the Pentagon and 
later served at the Air Force Personnel Center in Denver, Colorado.
   Tonini was appointed by Governor Steve Beshear as Adjutant General 
of the Commonwealth of Kentucky on December 11, 2007. As the Adjutant 
General, he serves as the Commanding General of both the Kentucky Army 
and Air National Guard and as the Executive Director of the Department 
of Military Affairs. He is responsible for Federal and State missions, 
including responding in times of emergency. He serves on the Governor's 
cabinet and is the Governor's advisor on all military matters.
   General Tonini has served the Commonwealth of Kentucky and this 
nation with honor. He is to be commended on his long and distinguished 
military career and his life of service and sacrifice. Major General 
Edward Tonini is an outstanding American, a true patriot, and a hero to 
us all. Along with a grateful nation, I honor him for his service.

                          ____________________