[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 181 (Thursday, October 22, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          TRIBUTE TO VIC BIRD

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I am pleased to recognize Mr. Vic 
Bird on the occasion of his retirement. Vic has been a champion for the 
Oklahoma aviation community for nearly two decades. He most recently 
served as the director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission for 18 
years, the longest serving director in Oklahoma history.
  You would never know it, but back in 2002, Vic Bird was a newcomer to 
aviation. Nevertheless, there is no one in State government who worked 
harder to make Oklahoma the aviation capital of America. Vic Bird led 
the charge on numerous State legislative initiatives that brought 
aviation employers to Oklahoma, and the proof is in one number. Today, 
aviation and aerospace is Oklahoma's second largest industry, with an 
annual economic impact of $44 billion.
  Throughout his tenure at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, Vic has 
been a true friend to general aviation, supporting pilots and airports. 
Vic Bird was instrumental in making sure Oklahoma State law protected 
pilots at public-use and military airports by keeping dangerous 
structures from being built too close to airport infrastructure. Vic 
Bird promoted airports as anchor institutions supporting economic 
development and job growth in communities across Oklahoma and joined me 
in an aerial tour of general aviation airports across Oklahoma back in 
June 2017.
  Before I conclude, I want to highlight two of the awards and 
recognitions Vic Bird has received that speak volumes of his commitment 
to aviation. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association awards the 
Joseph B. ``Doc'' Hartranft Jr. Award to an individual in government 
service who has made significant contributions to the advancement of 
general aviation. Vic Bird was the first and only nonelected official 
to receive this award. Vic Bird is also the first and only Oklahoman 
elected to serve as chair of the National Association of State Aviation 
Officials.
  Vic Bird has remained an unwavering passionate advocate for aviation 
and aerospace in Oklahoma. I know I join his family and all that know 
him, in thanking him for his years of service and contributions to 
Oklahoma and our entire aviation community.
  Congratulations on your retirement.

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