[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H592-H593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MAJOR GENERAL MASON M. PATRICK

  (Mr. HARIDOPOLOS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HARIDOPOLOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late, great 
Major General Mason M. Patrick.
  General Patrick, a West Virginia native, West Point graduate, and 
World War I veteran, honorably served our Nation for 41 years.
  In 1921, General Patrick oversaw the creation of the United States 
Army Air Corps, the precursor to our modern-day Air Force.
  Recognizing that true leadership comes from experience, he learned to 
fly at the age of 59.
  His vision to place air power in its own branch was instrumental in 
building the world's first formidable Air Force.
  In 1950, Patrick Air Force Base, in my district, was named in his 
honor, recognizing his historic contributions to military aviation.
  Today, this base is known as Patrick Space Force Base, a testament to 
how America's leadership in the skies has evolved to dominate new 
frontiers.

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  His vision for America's air power laid the groundwork for today's 
advances in space exploration and defense.
  May we always remember General Patrick's contribution to our Nation.

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