[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF VICTOR BIRD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 18, 2020

  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Victor Bird 
on his retirement after a remarkable 36-year career in public service 
to the state of Oklahoma.
  Graduating with a bachelor's degree and juris doctorate from the 
University of Tulsa, Victor is a lifelong Oklahoman. After graduating, 
he started his career in law with the public sector. Victor's career in 
public service started in 1983 in the Oklahoma Attorney General's 
office. From there he served at Oklahoma State University, the Office 
of the Lieutenant Governor, and again the Attorney General's office 
under two different attorney generals. It was through this impressive 
path that led him to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission as the 
Director in 2002. With no previous aviation experience, Victor 
recognized the importance of the aviation industry for Oklahoma and 
immediately put his knowledge of the state to work.
  After 18 years at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, few have left 
such a legacy. As the longest serving director in the state's history, 
his advocacy and implementations have left a distinctive mark on 
Oklahoma's role in aviation and aerospace. Under his leadership, the 
Commission has invested $71 million in state funds and directed $189 
million in federal funds into airport infrastructure statewide. 
Victor's pro aviation mindset has led to the growth of the annual 
economic impact to $44 billion, which has directly resulted in tens of 
thousands of jobs. Victor Bird played a key role in shaping aviation to 
become one of the state's largest industries and top employers.
  Victor's career has largely gone unnoticed. He is the first and only 
Oklahoman to serve as chairman of the National Association of State 
Aviation Officials in its 90-year history. He is also the first and 
only non-elected public official to receive the Joseph B. ``Doc'' 
Hartranft Jr. Award from the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. In 
2006, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Oklahoma 
Association for Career and Technical Education for his contributions to 
career and technology education in Oklahoma. In 2009, Bird was the 
recipient of the prestigious General Thomas P. Stafford Award, which 
recognizes those who have made substantial contributions to the 
Oklahoma aerospace industry and who reflect the revolutionary spirit of 
Gen. Stafford. Additionally, in 2017, Bird received the Kenneth A. Rowe 
Ambassador of Aviation Award from NASAO in honor of his national 
accomplishments. Most recently, in 2020, Victor received the 
President's Award from the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association for 
his significant work in Oklahoma aviation.
  For four decades, Victor Bird's dedication to Oklahoma has continued 
to help our state make enormous strides in terms of economic growth and 
innovation. As we reflect on the 36-year career of Victor Bird, let us 
look at his tireless work to inspire us.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. 
Victor Bird on an extraordinary career and wish him all the best in his 
much-deserved retirement.

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