[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 10, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       COLONEL JEFFERY B. EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CLIFF BENTZ

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 2022

  Mr. BENTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Colonel Jeffrey B. 
Edwards, United States Air Force, for his exceptional dedication and 
distinguished service to the United States of America. Colonel Edwards 
will retire on May 15, 2022, from his current assignment as the 
Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, 
Oregon. We thank him for his commitment to our country over the past 27 
years.
  Colonel Edwards graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 
1995. His first mission took him to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, 
then to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, and then Osan Air Base in 
the Republic of Korea. During his time in Alaska, he was deployed twice 
to defend our nation, which included 52 combat sorties in Operation 
SOUTHERN WATCH in Iraq and Operation ALLIED FORCE, over eastern Europe. 
In 2000, he was assigned to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where he 
served as an F-15C fighter pilot instructor, training the next 
generation of fighter pilots. In 2003, Colonel Edwards was stationed in 
Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea as the Chief of Air Defense 
Plans for the 7th Air Force. After his service in Korea, in 2004, he 
joined the Oregon National Guard at Kingsley Field. In 2006, Colonel 
Edwards attended United States Air Force Weapons School. In 2019, after 
serving in several positions at Kingsley Field, he earned the Command 
of the 173rd Fighter Wing. Colonel Edwards has been awarded the 173rd 
Fighter Wing Instructor Pilot of the Year award, the USAF Weapons 
School F-15 Academic Award, the 19th Air Force Air-to-Air Fighter Pilot 
Instructor of the Year, the Meritorious Service Medal, Aerial 
Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. His service 
has included over 3,200 flight hours. Colonel Edwards embodies the Air 
Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and 
Excellence In All We Do as a Commander, leader, and Airman.
  Kingsley Field is a critical asset for American national security. It 
serves as an outstanding training center for the Air National Guard and 
active-duty pilots. In Colonel Edwards' time as Commander, Kingsley 
Field was designated as first in line to function as a formal training 
unit for the Boeing F-15EX fighter jet. A critical part of domestic 
defense missions, the first operational F-15EX squadron was designated 
to operate in the Oregon Air National Guard. Additionally, Colonel 
Edwards led Kingsley Field effectively through the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Plans were formalized for Kingsley Field's dedicated men and women to 
support their families while carefully maintaining the overall mission. 
In 2021, he seamlessly balanced the activation of over 250 Airmen for 
COVID-19 and hospital support. In 2022, over 145 members were activated 
to help the State of Oregon's deal with the Omicron variant. During 
this time, never once did Colonel Edwards' leadership waver. He stands 
on the front line, supporting innovation in aircraft, managing issues 
as they arise, and holding fast to a vision of a better future.
  Furthermore, Colonel Edwards extends his focus on the future beyond 
his service to the men and women of Kingsley Field as a member of my 
Military Service Academy Nomination Board, which includes other 
exceptional active and retired officers. His experience as an Air Force 
Academy graduate, a pilot and a leader provides invaluable help as he, 
and the other military officers of my annual nomination board, 
interview students to assess their character, leadership, physical 
aptitude, motivation, academic preparation, extracurricular, and 
community service activities.
  For a man who has demonstrated such strong leadership, allegiance, 
and sacrifice during his service to our Nation, recognition is a very 
modest attempt to thank him.
  We indeed owe a serious debt of gratitude to Colonel Edwards, 
because, though technology, time, and power may change, the attributes 
of a good leader remain unchanged. Colonel Edwards has dedicated his 
life to this nation, and we thank him for the service, vision, and 
leadership he has demonstrated both at home and abroad.
  Madam Speaker, as we reach the culmination of his distinguished 
career, I join my colleagues today in congratulating Colonel Edwards 
for his lifetime of service to our country. We wish him, his wife, 
Teresa, and their six children: Matthew 22, Anna 20, Andrew 17, Rachel 
14, Sarah 12, and James 10 best wishes as he retires from the United 
States Air Force.

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