[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H5751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MOURNING THE LOSS OF MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE W. KEEFE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Neal) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to mourn the loss of a 
great American patriot, Major General George W. Keefe, former adjutant 
general of the Massachusetts National Guard who passed away last week 
at the age of 79.
  A lifelong resident of Northampton, Massachusetts, which I had the 
honor of representing for 20 years, General Keefe dedicated his life in 
service to our country, his community, and protecting the freedoms we 
all hold so dear.
  He was called an airman's airman and wore the uniform with great 
honor and, indeed, distinction.
  I knew General Keefe well and got to see firsthand what an exemplary 
leader and decent person he was. Beyond his military accomplishments 
and commendations, he was a loving husband, a dedicated father and 
grandfather, and, indeed, to many of us, a very good friend.
  General Keefe enlisted with the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air 
National Guard Base as an airman in 1956 at the age of 17. He continued 
to work his way up the ranks, becoming an officer and eventually 
serving as the wing's vice commander.
  In 1999, General Keefe was asked to serve as adjutant general of the 
Massachusetts National Guard, the first Air Force officer and western 
Massachusetts resident to hold that post in more than 200 years of 
history. He retired in 2005, ending what is deemed a remarkable 
military career.
  The motto in the Air Force is: ``Aim High. Fly-Fight-Win.'' George 
Keefe did that for nearly a half century. On behalf of the United 
States of America, I want to thank him for his distinguished service to 
our Nation.
  My thoughts and prayers today are with his sons, Gary, Jim, Patrick, 
Tim, and their families. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________