[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINERAL WELLS AIRPORT

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                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2018

  Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Mineral Wells 
Airport as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary on May 19, 2018. Since 
1943, the Mineral Wells Airport has been a major part of the community 
and has a long history of supporting our country in times of war.
  Originally established as Camp Wolters in 1925, the land that the 
airport now sits on was utilized as a training site for the 56th 
Brigade of the National Guard under the command of Brigadier General 
Jacob F. Wolters. During WWII, Camp Wolters expanded to include an 
airfield that trained pilots in the United States Army Air Force. The 
base became an instrumental post for the Army and trained thousands of 
troops to support the war efforts.
  During the Cold War, the base fell under the control of the United 
States Air Force and was renamed Wolters Air Force Base. The renamed 
installation became a training post for Aviation Engineers throughout 
the Korean War. In 1956, the base was reverted back to the Army and 
housed the United States Army Primary Helicopter School. The base was 
later re-designated as Fr. Wolters in 1963, where it continued training 
helicopter pilots until its deactivation in 1973.
  Since its deactivation, the airfield was converted for public use, 
which established Mineral Wells Airport. Over the years, the airport 
averages over 10,000 flights a year and has become a vital component of 
the local economy. The airport has developed a superb reputation and 
was even recognized as ``Airport of the Year'' in 2007 by the Texas 
Department of Transportation.
  The rich history of the Mineral Wells Airport has engrained itself 
into the identity of Palo Pinto County. I want to congratulate the 
airport on their anniversary and wish them continued success.

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