[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL KENYON K. BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RONNY JACKSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2021

  Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to honor a superb 
leader, General Kenyon Bell. During my short time as a Member of 
Congress, I have received a warm welcome from many people, but none 
warmer than from the great men and women of Sheppard Air Force Base. 
This summer, General Bell will relinquish command of the 82nd Training 
Wing and Installation Command of Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. While 
we are sad to see him go, we are excited for his future.
  General Bell was given a great opportunity to lead in challenging 
times and did so with the highest degree of professionalism, dignity, 
and skill. As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of our normal day-
to-day lives across the nation, General Bell found himself in command 
of a mission that could not stop, or even slow down, without disastrous 
and long-term consequences for military readiness. With more than 5,000 
students living in close quarters on the base, he acted decisively to 
implement policies and guidelines to ensure the safe continuation of 
both the technical and flying training missions at Sheppard. As a 
result, operational units around the world continued receiving the 
trained, mission-ready Airmen required to maintain global combat 
capability.
  While we faced civil unrest as a country over the last year, General 
Bell led by example and worked to build bridges of understanding and 
unity that transcend politics and will ultimately strengthen the United 
States military. His ability to speak boldly, frankly, and calmly on 
the highly charged subject of race is an example we all must follow. He 
also had a willingness and ability to listen respectfully and honestly 
to differing perspectives. While I faced the steep learning curve 
involved with being a Member of Congress, General Bell ensured that I 
stayed up to date with the situation on the ground at Sheppard, truly 
working as a partner. I could not have asked for a better partner to 
work with as I began my tenure as a Congressman.
  General Bell's list of successes is longer than many I have seen from 
a General Officer. While navigating a variety of unique challenges 
throughout his tenure, he found a way to accomplish countless 
traditional command matters. The successful completion of the Sheppard 
Main Gate renovation project, in all its complexity, marks the 
realization of more than a decade of effort. More importantly, it 
represents markedly improved security and force protection for the 
missions and people of Sheppard Air Force Base. I was honored to be 
there with General Bell in person for the official ribbon-cutting 
ceremony in April.
  Finally, a sure testament to the quality of General Bell's leadership 
is the fact that through all the challenges of 2020 and 2021, the 82nd 
Training Wing was rated as Highly Effective by the Air Education and 
Training Command Inspector General following the 2021 Unit 
Effectiveness Inspection.
  On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my congratulations to 
General Bell on completing his command tour at Sheppard Air Force Base. 
I thank the General for his exceptional leadership and service. I 
congratulate his wife, Lori, and his kids Amira, Kenyon, and Roman. I 
look forward to seeing General Bell continue to excel in his career, 
and I look forward to our future years of friendship. We are a better 
and stronger nation for his service.

                          ____________________