[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       TRIBUTE TO EARLE THOMPSON

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, every single day, our veterans 
use the skills and discipline they learned in uniform to build up our 
country. Countless veterans pass on these lessons to others. Colonel 
Earle Thompson, from Lake Martin, is one such example.
  Colonel Thompson began his military service by signing up for the 
U.S. Army after graduating from Carroll High School in Ozark. This was 
the start of an accomplished 36-year-military career. Earle went on to 
get his bachelor's degree from the University of South Alabama. He 
balanced being a fulltime student while serving in the Alabama National 
Guard. After college, he transitioned to the Air Force, where he would 
serve 28 years across the globe, including combat sorties in Panama and 
Operation Desert Storm. He took full advantage of the training we have 
to offer right here in Alabama, particularly at Maxwell Air Force Base. 
There, he went through Squadron Officer's School, Air Command and Staff 
College, and Air War College.
  Since retirement, Earle has been doing his part to help students make 
the most of Alabama's resources for successful careers. For the last 13 
years, he has been using his military experience to lead aviation 
training at Auburn University. He serves as the deputy director for 
Defense Research Programs, where he teaches air traffic control and 
aerodynamics. His work helps address the shortage of both commercial 
and military pilots in the U.S.
  Additionally, Earle serves as the chair of the Auburn University 
Regional Airport Safety Committee. He is also actively involved in 
Opelika First Baptist Church, where he sings in the choir. Earle spent 
36 years protecting our Nation, and now, he is raising up the next 
generation of pilots who will help Alabama soar to new heights. It is 
my honor to recognize Colonel Earle Thompson as the March Veteran of 
the Month.

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