[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 108 (Thursday, June 11, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL THOMAS BERGESON

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and congratulate 
Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson, of the U.S. Air Force, and the deputy 
commander of United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, 
Tampa, FL. Lieutenant General Bergeson is one our Nation's finest 
military officers, and he will retire from Active military service on 
September 1, 2020, bringing to a close 35 years of distinguished 
service to our great Nation.
  In 1985, Lieutenant General Bergeson commissioned as a second 
lieutenant upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He 
commanded units at every echelon from fighter squadron to a numbered 
Air Force. Lieutenant General Bergeson also held various staff 
assignments, including positions as chief of aviation, strategic 
operations, Multi-National Forces-Iraq; senior defense official and 
defense attache in the UK; and director, Legislative Liaison, Office of 
the Secretary of the Air Force, at the Pentagon.
  Prior to his current assignment, he served as the deputy commander, 
United Nations Command Korea; deputy commander, U.S. Forces Korea; 
commander, Air Component Command, South Korea/U.S. Combined Forces 
Command; and commander, 7th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces at Osan Air 
Base. Over the course of his career, Lieutenant General Bergeson flew 
numerous fighter aircraft to include the F-15, the F-22, and the A-10. 
He is a graduate of the NATO Defense College in Rome and the Harvard 
Kennedy School of Government.
  At a time of great uncertainty in the world, particularly in the 
Middle East, Lieutenant General Bergeson served as a critical leader in 
Central Command, a combatant command that has an enormous influence and 
presence in some of the most volatile parts of the globe. Lieutenant 
General Bergeson is an exceptional leader and an American patriot who 
is committed to our Armed Forces, our national security, and our 
Nation. It is for Lt. Gen. Tom Bergeson that we, with profound 
admiration and deep respect, pay tribute to for all he has done for the 
defense of our Nation for over three decades as a leader and selfless 
servant.
  Mr. President, it is my pleasure today to recognize Lieutenant 
General Bergeson's long and decorated career. On behalf of a grateful 
nation, I commend Lieutenant General Bergeson for his dedicated service 
to the United States of America. I also wish to recognize the 
sacrifices and contributions made by his wife, Pam, and his children, 
Erik and Kristin. I extend my best wishes to Lieutenant General 
Bergeson and his family and wish them the best in retirement and the 
years to come.

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