[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 175 (Thursday, December 3, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S8375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO PAUL KOESTER

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Paul 
Koester on his retirement after over 41 years of service to the U.S. 
Air Force. It gives me great pleasure to recognize his years of 
dedication to protecting our country and our State.
  Mr. Koester grew up in Colorado Springs, CO, and later enlisted in 
the U.S. Air Force in 1974 with the intention of serving 4 years as a 
jet engine mechanic. During his time in basic training, he decided to 
change course and test to become a pararescue airman. After 
successfully passing his training, he spent the next 4 years at 
Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska as part of the 71st Aerospace Rescue 
and Recovery Squadron. During his time serving in this squadron, he was 
credited with saving over 75 lives.
  From 1980 to 1986, Mr. Koester served at McClellan Air Force Base in 
California and Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. He soon after 
decided to join the Air National Guard. For the next 16 years, Mr. 
Koester served in the 102nd Rescue Squadron at Francis S. Gabreski Air 
National Guard Base in New York. On September 11, 2001, Mr. Koester and 
his squadron assisted as first responders during the collapse of the 
World Trade Center, aiding in saving the lives of many victims of the 
attack. His bravery and selflessness during this time of crisis will 
never be forgotten.
  Three weeks later, Mr. Koester was deployed to the border of Kuwait 
and Iraq to serve as part of Operation Southern Watch. Following his 
return from this mission, Mr. Koester made the decision to resume 
Active Duty and was sent to Nellis Air Force Base in 2003 as part of 
the 58th Rescue Squadron. He concluded his service with this unit after 
12 years of service. At his 60th birthday celebration, Mr. Koester was 
recognized as the oldest enlisted member actively serving in the Air 
Force and the longest serving pararescue airman with 13 deployments 
throughout his career. Our country and the Silver State are fortunate 
to have had someone of such dedication serving to protect our freedoms.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have had no 
greater honor than the opportunity to engage with the men and women who 
served in our Nation's military. I recognize Congress has a 
responsibility not only to honor the brave individuals who serve our 
Nation, but also to ensure they are cared for when they return home. I 
remain committed to upholding this promise for veterans like Mr. 
Koester in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  Mr. Koester has demonstrated professionalism, commitment to 
excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of the U.S. Air 
Force. I am proud to call him a fellow Nevadan, and I ask my colleagues 
to join me today in recognizing Mr. Koester for his years of service 
and in congratulating him on his retirement. I wish him well in all of 
his future endeavors.

                          ____________________