[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 168 (Tuesday, October 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1078-E1079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 2022 TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE RICHARD A. 
                                BLEVINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2022

  Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Northeast State 
Community College's Richard A. Blevins, Director of the Northeast State 
Community College Aviation Technology Program with 43 years of service 
in aviation, who will be inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of 
Fame.
  Ret. USAF Chief Master Sergeant Richard A. Blevins, a native of 
Kingsport, entered the Air Force in March 1979 as a Systems Analyst on 
Nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and Space Lift Launch 
Systems. Chief Blevins held numerous positions during his 27-plus-year 
career culminating as the 30th Launch Group Superintendent, Vandenberg 
AFB, CA. He led three diverse launch squadrons of 181 USAF and 121 
contractor personnel there.
  Richard provided oversight and mission assurance on Delta IV/Atlas V 
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) programs, Titan IV/Delta II 
space launch systems, Ground-Based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) system 
build, integration, and deployment. He was responsible for implementing 
$660 million test launches, $65 million modernization, and $2 billion 
space lift certification programs. In addition, he directed maintenance 
activities on five launch complexes and ten missile processing 
facilities valued at over $500 million.
  During his career, he was selected to attend the ICBM Technical 
Engineering School, one of the youngest ranking sergeants ever chosen 
for the position. His leadership was demonstrated when he was awarded 
as the top Strategic Air Command Non-Commissioned Officer Academy 
graduate. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Richard was hired as the 
Training Manager for Bell Helicopter. His responsibility encompasses 
the training and qualification of over 500 personnel to meet Federal 
Aviation Regulations and ISO AS9100 requirements.
  Richard is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and 
holds a Masters Degree in Aeronautics. Richard is also a certified FAA 
Private Pilot, FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and FAA Airframe 
Certified Mechanic.
  Each day, Richard helps ensure Northeast State's students are trained 
at the highest levels of reliability for employment in the aviation 
maintenance industry. The success of this program will benefit our 
region for many years to come.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Richard A. Blevins on his 43 years of service to the aviation industry 
and being inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.

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