[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO GENERAL GENTRY W. BOSWELL

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today, I am honored to recognize the 
extraordinary service of Brig. Gen. Gentry W. Boswell on the occasion 
of his retirement. His 31 years of service to our Nation is the 
reflection of a true and devoted public servant.
  General Boswell received his commission in 1991 as a distinguished 
graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Delta State 
University, and he also earned a master of aeronautical science at 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In addition, General Boswell 
studied at the Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff 
College, the Joint Forces Command Advanced Warfighting School, the Air 
War College, the Keenan-Flagler Enterprise Leadership School, and the 
Naval War College. General Boswell's distinguished military career 
encompassed operational tours flying the B-1B, B-52, RC-135, and E-6B 
aircraft, and he accumulated more than 4,900 flight hours, including 
over 500 combat hours in Southwest Asia, the Balkans, and the Horn of 
Africa.
  South Dakotans were fortunate to have General Boswell fulfill five 
separate military assignments at Ellsworth Air Force Base, serving as 
assistant director of operations for the 77th Bomb Squadron from 1999 
to 2002, director of operations for the 37th Bomb Squadron from 2007 to 
2008, commander of the 28th Operations Support Squadron from 2008 to 
2010, vice commander of the 28th Bomb Wing from 2012 to 2014, and 
commander of the 28th Bomb Wing from 2015 to 2017.
  During his assignments at Ellsworth AFB, General Boswell developed a 
culture of putting the airmen first, and he engaged actively in 
partnerships with civilian leadership in Rapid City and other Black 
Hills communities to improve the quality of life for those in uniform 
and their families. In addition, as commander of the 28th Operations 
Support Squadron, General Boswell was instrumental in advancing the 
expansion of the Powder River Training Complex. The expanded air space 
represents the largest military operations area in the lower 48 States, 
spanning the skies over North Dakota and South Dakota, Montana, and 
Wyoming. This expansive training airspace allows Air Force pilots and 
crews to perform the critical training they need in conditions that 
closely resemble combat missions.
  General Boswell's final assignment for the Air Force was serving as 
the director of manpower, organization, and resources. He led the 
management and oversight of the Air Force's manpower enterprise, which 
encompasses more than 694,000 total force personnel and the programming 
of more than $47 billion in annual funding.
  General Boswell has received several prestigious awards for his 
outstanding military service, including the Defense Superior Service 
Medal, Legion of Merit with two oakleaf clusters, Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oakleaf clusters, 
and the Air Medal with two oakleaf clusters.
  We are thrilled that General Boswell has chosen to retire in the 
Black Hills of South Dakota, where he will have plenty of opportunities 
to dedicate more time to hunting. I join all South Dakotans in 
extending our congratulations to General Boswell upon his retirement 
and for his outstanding military career.

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