[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 117 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1001-E1002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING COLONEL JOHN WAGNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2018

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to acknowledge 
the exceptional career of Colonel John Wagner, United States Air Force. 
Colonel Wagner is retiring after a dedicated career of military service 
to our nation. Colonel Wagner exemplifies the qualities of a great 
leader with a culminating assignment as the United States Air Force 
Chair and Military Professor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for 
National Security and Resource Strategy. His truly outstanding 
leadership has contributed greatly to our nation, and it is no doubt 
that Colonel Wagner's retirement is well earned.
  Colonel Wagner's career began at the United States Air Force Academy 
where he graduated with a degree in Astronautical Engineering in 1991. 
Subsequently he has had a distinguished career dedicated to our 
nation's space operations. He is also a graduate of the United States 
Air Force Institute of Technology, the School of Advanced Air & Space 
Studies, the Air Command and Staff College, the Air War College and the 
National War College.
  I had the good fortune to meet Colonel Wagner during his tenure as 
dual commander of the 460th Space Wing and Buckley Air Force Base. 
Buckley Air Force Base is located in Aurora, Colorado, which I have the 
honor of representing here in the United States House of 
Representatives. Colonel Wagner performed exceptionally as the base and 
wing commander. Some of his key accomplishments include completing the 
new Block 10 Ground Control System for the Space-Based Infrared System 
and Defense Support System. Colonel Wagner also worked tirelessly to 
enhance the health and welfare of those serving on the base by 
obtaining the funding and approval to develop adequate on base primary 
medical care facilities. In particular, Colonel Wagner's command time 
is notable for his broad vision and implementation of the ``Team 
Buckley'' concept where the needs of all of the many tenants on the 
base received his full attention. Most emblematic of this was his 
support for the Colorado Air National Guard's Compatible Use Buffer 
Project which plays a key role in protecting the base's flying mission 
from the threat of encroachment.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel Wagner has led by example throughout his career 
as a space operator, as a commander and as an instructor. His career as 
a military leader can serve as an inspiration to all Americans. I thank 
him for his contribution to the security of our nation and I wish him 
all the best as he retires from the United States Air Force.

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