[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 167 (Tuesday, October 22, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S5961]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO BILL STEBBINS

 Mr. DAINES. Madam President, this week I have the honor of 
recognizing pilot Bill Stebbins of Dawson County for his tremendous 
impact on Montana and over 60 years of experience as a pilot.
  Bill was honored by his colleagues and the Federal Aviation 
Administration with the distinguished Wright Brothers Master Pilot 
Award in August of 2019. This high honor is reserved for few pilots who 
have had a pilot's license in good standing for 50 or more years.
  Bill has been flying since 1955, putting him at over 60 years of 
flight with an outstanding 13,000 hours spent in the air.
  After earning a mechanical engineering degree, Bill joined the Army 
where he trained in fixed-wing aircraft at Gary Air Force Base in San 
Marcos, TX. He later advanced to fixed-wing and helicopter training at 
Fort Rucker in Alabama.
  Upon leaving military service, Bill worked for Montana-Dakota 
Utilities and then Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline, where he flew 
thousands of miles of pipeline in a variety of fixed-wing and rotary 
aircrafts to help inspect and maintain the pipeline's protection.
  Over the years, Bill has also committed himself to helping those in 
need, including participating in countless search and rescue 
operations.
  Most notably, in the 1980s Bill airlifted food and supplies into 
Makoshika State Park to support a youth group stranded at the Lion's 
camp by heavy rains and washed out roads.
  Bill has spent 50 years based at the Dawson Community Airport, where 
he has served as the assistant airport manager since 2015. He has had a 
tremendous impact on the operation of the Dawson County Airport.
  It is my honor to recognize Bill for his extraordinary 
accomplishments. Bill's experience as a pilot and his selfless service 
to his community and country is exemplary of the Montana 
spirit.

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