[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4904-S4905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MARK BERRY

 Mr. BOOZMAN. President, today I wish to pay tribute to MG Mark 
Berry for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as the adjutant 
general for the Arkansas National Guard. General Berry is retiring from 
his position on August 10, 2019.
  A Texas native, General Berry enlisted in the Air Force in August 
1974. He also furthered his education while serving, receiving a 
bachelor of aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and 
earning a masters of public administration from Golden Gate University.
  Major General Berry has served the United States in a broad capacity 
during his 45-year career with the Armed Forces. Upon completion of 
basic training, he began technical training as an air traffic 
controller. In 1985, he attended officer training school with follow-on 
training as an air traffic control officer. General Berry separated 
from his Active-Duty role in September 1992 to join the Arkansas Air 
National Guard as a public affairs officer.
  During his time in the National Guard, he served as a communication 
flight commander, mission support group commander, and maintenance 
group commander. In the State of Arkansas, Berry served as the vice-
chairman of the Air National Guard A-10 Aircraft Maintenance Council 
until receiving the honor of becoming the president of the National 
Guard Association of Arkansas. In 2015, General Berry was given his 
most distinguished assignment when he was appointed adjutant general 
for the Arkansas National Guard.
  Throughout his time in Arkansas, I have worked closely with General 
Berry to ensure our National Guard not only meets but exceeds the 
standards needed to protect our State and country. During times of 
crisis or disaster in the State, General Berry made certain the 
National Guard was prepared and able to respond quickly and 
effectively. He has represented himself, the Arkansas Guard, and our 
Armed Forces with consistent professionalism, diligence, and 
commitment. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the job he has 
done as the leader of our State's National Guard.

[[Page S4905]]

  Major General Berry has received numerous awards and recognitions for 
his service to the United States during his career, including the 
Legion of Merit for exceptional conduct in the performance of his 
services to our Nation, and has had a positive impact on the lives of 
many servicemembers, peers, and superiors. His accomplishments reflect 
highly not only on himself, but also on the men and women of our 
Nation's military. As his time in uniform comes to an end, we honor his 
dedication to our country and his invaluable service to the U.S. Air 
Force and Arkansas National Guard.
  It was a genuine pleasure to have worked with MG Mark Berry 
throughout his years serving his country and our State. I commend 
General Berry for his exceptional service and decorated career and 
greatly appreciate his friendship of many years. We wish him all the 
best as he begins his retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces.

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