[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION FOR COLONEL EDWARD MESCHKO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Edward 
Thomas ``Tom'' Meschko of Whitesboro, Texas, and award him a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation. Colonel Meschko honorably served in 
the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
  In 1961, Colonel Meschko applied to the newly built Air Force Academy 
and was selected to join their seventh class. He trained as a fighter 
pilot and was stationed at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and Bien 
Hoa Air Base in Vietnam. During his Air Force career, Colonel Meschko 
participated in 216 combat missions against North Vietnamese forces in 
the F-100 Super Sabre jet fighter. Furthermore, he was a flight 
instructor and test pilot for over 36 models of the most advanced 
aircraft prototypes at the time, including the F-16 fighter aircraft.
  Using test data gained through Colonel Meschko's experimental 
flights, the United States was able to transform the F-16 into a modern 
air superiority fighter that is currently in use by 25 countries. 
Through his extensive qualifications and expertise, Colonel Meschko 
became the Deputy Commander of Operations for F-16s located in U.S. 
bases throughout Europe. His efforts help bolster and strengthen our 
NATO allies'capabilities to defend against Soviet-led aggression. For 
his outstanding service, Colonel Meschko received numerous awards, 
including the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross.
  After returning to civilian life, Colonel Meschko worked as a senior 
engineer for Lockheed Martin and sought to be a test pilot on the 
prototype F-22 Raptor. As he experienced health complications that 
affected his ability to fly the F-22, he retired from Lockheed Martin 
after 10 years and later became the President and CEO of Fightertown 
Aviation, Inc., and a senior consultant for military contracts. In 
2018, Colonel Meschko retired after decades of important contributions 
to the Air Force and aviation industry. I commend him for his selfless 
service and sacrifices to defend our great nation.
  I am honored to represent Colonel Meschko in Texas' 4th Congressional 
District. It is a pleasure to award him the Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for his service to our Nation and to the people of North 
Texas.

                          ____________________