[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 69 (Monday, April 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN ``ODIE'' SLOCUM RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANDY LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2019

  Mr. LEVIN of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
retirement of Brigadier General John ``Odie'' Slocum. Gen. Slocum 
currently serves as the 127th Wing Commander, Selfridge Air National 
Guard Base, Michigan. He has announced his plans to retire in May, 
closing another chapter in his 35-year military career. General Slocum 
has continued the long tradition of excellence at Selfridge ANGB, a 
Macomb County icon since it opened in 1917, through his style of 
precise but humble leadership. I recently had the honor of visiting 
Selfridge ANGB, where I saw firsthand the esteem in which Gen. Slocum 
is held by the men and women with whom he serves.
  As commander, Gen. Slocum's priority has always been the members of 
the 127th Wing. He worked tirelessly to keep them prepared and safe as 
they engaged in important missions on behalf of The United States 
across the world. His mandate as the top official at Selfridge also 
extends beyond the Air National Guard, as Selfridge ANGB hosts members 
from more than 20 tenant units from all branches of the military, the 
Coast Guard, and Border Patrol.
  During his tenure, Selfridge received numerous awards including both 
the Carl A. Spaatz Award and the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award. 
These two awards emblemize the dedication and capability of the 127th 
Wing under Gen. Slocum, though he would give all praise to those 
serving under him.
  Outside of the gates of Selfridge, Gen. Slocum has built a reputation 
as a community leader and strong advocate for Macomb County. Through 
his leadership, county partners including government and business 
delivered an impassioned campaign to bring the F-35 Lightning to 
Selfridge. This campaign will be the gold standard for all future 
attempts to rally the community around a cause.
  As a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, I also 
thank Gen. Slocum for his support of the STARBASE program. STARBASE 
provides elementary grade students aviation themed math and science 
education and is located on base. Without a strong Selfridge, there 
would be no STARBASE.
  In closing, as Gen. Slocum ends his command at Selfridge, I encourage 
my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his dedicated service to 
the United States and to the people of Michigan. Gen. Slocum has stated 
that he is looking to stay and continue to work for all of us in Macomb 
County, for which I am grateful. I look forward to supporting him in 
his next endeavor.

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