[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 137 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF BRIG. GEN. MARK STOGSDILL, 
                               USAF RET.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 12, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that 
I rise today to recognize the life and dedicated service of Brigadier 
General Thomas ``Mark'' Stogsdill, USAF retired, who passed away on 
July 19, 2016. General Stogsdill was a devoted family man, Vietnam 
veteran, and decorated warrior who proudly served our country as a 
member of the Armed Forces for over 35 years. I am humbled to rise and 
pay tribute to his life, his unwavering commitment to service, and his 
dedication to our Nation's heroes and their loved ones.
  General Stogsdill was born in Wellington, Kansas, to Betty 
(Montgomery) and Dale W. L. Stogsdill on September 8, 1947. His love 
for our country was strong and evident early on when he commissioned in 
the United States Air Force in the fall of 1969. He became a master 
navigator and earned his wings in 1970 at Mather Air Force Base, 
California. He completed more than 6,500 flying hours including 450 
combat hours flown in AC-130 Spectre gunships during the Southeast Asia 
conflict. After six years on active duty, General Stogsdill joined the 
Air Force Reserve in 1975.
  He assumed command of the 919th Special Operations Wing in 1998, 
which had recently transitioned from the AC-130A Spectre gunship to the 
MC-130E Combat Talon and MC-130P Combat Shadow. His leadership and 
dedication to those under his command helped ensure a successful 
transition. General Stogsdill was constantly looking for new ways to 
improve his beloved 919th SOW. It was his innovative thinking and 
driven persistence that enabled the Total Force Integration between the 
Air Force Special Operations Command's 5th Special Operations Squadron 
and 9th SOS at Eglin Air Force Base, and the Air Force Reserve 
Command's 711th SOS and 8th SOS at Duke Field. Moving reservists to 
Eglin and active duty members to Duke Field created a long-standing 
cohesion among the Special Operations Squadrons.
  Many will remember General Stogsdill for his courage and resolve 
following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our homeland. 
General Stogsdill led his unit through numerous combat deployments. 
Extremely successful in their missions, the 919th SOW became known as 
one of the most highly decorated wings in the United States Air Force 
Reserve.
  Upon his retirement from the Air Force in 2006, General Stogsdill 
remained dedicated to those who serve and their families along with the 
community of Northwest Florida. He was an active member of both the 
Crestview Military Affairs Council and Emerald Coast Military Affairs 
Council and was a board member of the Fisher House.
  During his distinguished career, General Stogsdill was greatly 
regarded within the Air Force and Northwest Florida communities, and, 
to many he will be remembered for his devotion to his country and 
fellow man. To his family and friends, he'll be remembered as a loving 
family man with a great sense of humor. Without question, General 
Stogsdill lived a life full of service and has earned our Nation's 
highest respect and gratitude.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a 
privilege for me to honor Brigadier General Mark Stogsdill's lifetime 
of service. My wife Vicki and I extend our prayers and sincere 
condolences to his wife and best friend, Jan; two daughters--Sarah and 
Emma; and the entire Stogsdill family.

                          ____________________