[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2236-S2237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRUCE ``ORVILLE'' WRIGHT, USAF (RET.)

 Mr. WICKER. Madam President, today I congratulate Lt. Gen. 
Bruce ``Orville'' Wright, USAF (Ret.), upon his retirement as president 
and chief executive officer of the Air and Space Forces Association, or 
AFA.
  Not satisfied with serving only 34 years in the Air Force, General 
Wright continued his service to our airmen, guardians, their families, 
and our Nation's veterans by leading the AFA and

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its 113,000 plus members for another 5 years, through a dramatic period 
of growth and transformation for the storied association.
  In fact, for this latest period of service, General Wright was 
recognized by the Secretary of the Air Force for distinguished public 
service and was presented the highest award issued by the Air Force to 
a non-employee civilian.
  Retiring as a three-star general, General Wright's last assignment 
was commander of 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan. During his time 
in the Air Force, he was extensively involved in joint and coalition 
combat operations. He led 65 combat missions as an F-16 squadron 
commander during Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the 
Distinguished Flying Cross in 1991 during that conflict. He also 
commanded a composite operations group during Operation Provide Comfort 
in northern Iraq and Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  He also commanded the U.S. Air Force Intelligence Agency and then 
rose again to become vice commander of Air Combat Command. In this 
role, General Wright successfully fielded the F-22, the Sniper 
targeting pod, which was critical to the close air support mission for 
the next 15 years, and the Predator UAV capabilities into combat 
operations.
  General Wright earned a bachelor of science degree in aerospace 
physiology from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master of arts degree 
in public administration from Golden Gate University. He is also a 
graduate of Syracuse University's Senior Executives in National 
Security Course, the Air War College, the U.S. Air Force Weapons 
School, and MIT Seminar XXI.
  On a personal note, I would like to add that I know of no one who 
cares more about achieving the Air Force's mission and taking care of 
our airmen, guardians, their families, and veterans than General 
Wright. I know I join the entire Senate in wishing him well in this 
next phase of his life and extending our heartfelt thanks to him. We 
give special thanks to his wife Kerri and their daughters for all the 
support they have shown General Wright over the years.

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