[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 178 (Wednesday, December 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL EDWARD TONINI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2015

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the 51st Adjutant General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Major 
General Edward W. Tonini, upon his retirement after 47 years of 
service. Since December 11, 2007, he has admirably served as the 
Commanding General of both the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard and 
as Executive Director of the Department of Military Affairs, guiding 
the preparation of Kentucky's 8,500 citizen soldiers and airmen, along 
with the Division of Emergency Management, to respond in times of state 
and national emergency.
   He is responsible for Federal and State missions, assignment of 
leaders, recruiting, training, equipping, mobilization, facilities and 
public relations. He also oversees the development and coordination of 
all policies, plans, and programs affecting Army and Air National Guard 
members in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As a member of the Governor's 
cabinet and the principle advisor to the Governor on military matters, 
General Tonini has been a steadfast liaison on homeland security 
matters and a stalwart advocate for the brave men and women who serve 
this great Nation.
   General Tonini received a direct commission in 1970 in the Kentucky 
Air National Guard. Prior to receiving his commission, General Tonini 
served as an enlisted member of the 123rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing 
of the Kentucky Air National Guard. His valiant service earned the 
decoration of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of 
Merit Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal Air Force 
Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force 
Organizational Excellence Award, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service 
Medal, Air Force Recognition Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, 
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, 
Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service 
Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, and the Kentucky Merit 
Ribbon. We are blessed in Kentucky to have such a leader at the helm of 
our military affairs.
   The list of medals, awards and accolades are mere reflections of the 
outstanding character displayed by General Tonini on a daily basis. His 
response time is impeccable, whether through organizing deployments 
overseas or responding to natural disasters in the hills of eastern 
Kentucky.
   His legacy project is undoubtedly the state-of-the-art Joint Support 
Operations (JSO) Counter-Drug complex located in London, Kentucky. 
Under his leadership, 1,433 Kentucky National Guard soldiers and airmen 
have participated in JSO counter-drug operations from the facility, 
seizing more than 3.4 million marijuana plants with a street value 
exceeding more than one billion dollars. They also removed nearly 
35,000 pounds of illicit drugs from the streets, including cocaine, 
ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamines and opium. Their work led to the 
arrest of more than 2,600 people, the seizure of over $73 million in 
property and other non-drug assets, 514 weapons, 134 vehicles and more 
than $14 million. Beneath his breastplate of courage, beats a true 
servant's heart for the people of Kentucky and we are grateful for his 
leadership.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Major 
General Edward W. Tonini on a distinguished career of service to the 
Commonwealth of Kentucky and the United States. My wife, Cynthia and I 
wish General Tonini and his wife, Carol many blissful years of 
retirement.

                          ____________________