[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING COLONEL HUGH HANLON

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2017

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Hugh Hanlon, 
who is retiring after 30 years of service to our county in the United 
States Air Force.
  Colonel Hanlon graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 
1987, and earned a Masters of Business Administration from Wayland 
Baptist University in 1998. He served for 30 years as a commissioned 
officer in the United States Air Force, where he served as the Chief of 
CENTCOM strategy for the Air Force Checkmate Division and, among other 
assignments, as the Chief of Long Range Strategy during the Afghanistan 
War. During his 30 year career, Colonel Hanlon also served as an 
instructor pilot, flight examiner, operations officer, squadron 
commander, and Vice Wing Commander. During those years, he served in 
Hawaii, Japan, and Korea, prior to his current position as the 
Commander of Corps of Cadets Detachment 805 at Texas A&M University.
  Over his three decade military career, Colonel Hanlon was awarded 12 
awards and badges, including the National Defense Service Medal, Air 
Force Organizational Excellence Award, and Joint Meritorious Unit 
Award. He further distinguished his service by earning the Air Force 
Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, a Medal given to those 
who display acts of heroism or meritorious service. In addition, 
Colonel Hanlon earned the Legion of Merit Award, given to those who 
display exceptionally meritorious conduct, and the Defense Superior 
Service Medal, awarded to those in the Department of Defense who 
display superior meritorious service in positions of significant 
responsibility.
  Colonel Hanlon has demonstrated his gifted skills as a pilot through 
over 3,500 flight hours, with 325 of those hours being in combat. He 
reached the rank of Command Pilot, and flew four different military 
aircraft during his service, including the T-37, T-38, A-10 and F-16.
  I also would like to honor Colonel Hanlon for his service to the 
Texas A&M University. For nearly four years, he has served as the 
Commander of Detachment 805 of the Corps of Cadets, as well as teaching 
at the University as a Professor of Aerospace Studies. He has embodied 
the core values at Texas A&M, especially the core values of excellence 
and selfless-service.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's history is grounded in the efforts of our 
men and women who have served in uniform. Those who protected and 
defended the United States of America deserve our highest praise and 
thanks. We also wish them Godspeed as they transition to the next 
chapter in their lives.
  Today, I have requested that a United States flag be flown over the 
United States Capitol to honor the many contributions of Colonel Hugh 
Hanlon. As I close, I urge all Americans to continue praying for our 
country during these difficult times, for our military men and women 
who protect us from external threats, and for our first responders who 
protect us here at home.

                          ____________________