[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 155 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6219-S6220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GARY JOHNSON

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Gary 
Johnson on the occasion of his retirement. Gary has served as the 
airport director for the city of Stillwater Regional Airport, SWO for 
the past 32 years and has a lifelong dedication to the aviation 
community. Under his steady leadership, Stillwater Regional Airport has 
grown into one of Oklahoma's best general aviation and commercial 
airports. Earlier this year, Stillwater Regional Airport celebrated its 
100,000th commercial passenger in less than 2 years--made possible 
because Gary brought regular commercial service back to the airport.
  Gary began his career in aviation by graduating from Southeastern 
Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's of science in professional 
aviation-business. In addition to being a pilot, he started his own 
fixed based operator, the Stillwater Flight Center,

[[Page S6220]]

before becoming the airport director at Stillwater. As airport 
director, Gary has been a fixture in the Oklahoma aviation community, 
even serving as president of the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association 
twice. Gary was awarded the Airport Manager of the Year in 2017, the 
same year that Stillwater Regional Airport was recognized as Oklahoma 
Airport of the Year by the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association and 
the Federal Aviation Administration.
  At the Federal level, Gary has been a passionate advocate for 
aviation, serving on the board of the American Association of Airport 
Executives and as a vocal member of the U.S. Contract Tower 
Association, ensuring that all Members of Congress are aware of the 
importance of general aviation to their constituents and to their 
communities.
  I know that I join his family, the Stillwater Regional Airport, and 
the city of Stillwater community in thanking Gary for his years of 
service and contributions to the aviation community.
  Congratulations on your retirement.

                          ____________________