[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16918]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



      TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. RICHARD F. BLANSETT, 174TH FIGHTER WING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on October 1, 2000 Lt. Col. Richard F. 
Blansett is retiring as the comptroller for the 174th Fighter Wing of 
the New York Air National Guard located at Hancock Field in Syracuse, 
NY. He assumed the position of comptroller on October 1, 1989. In this 
capacity, he is responsible for the development and administration of 
the Wing's $29 million annual budget as well as a variety of military 
personnel resources.
  Lieutenant Colonel Blansett was born on December 25, 1944 in 
Watertown, NY and graduated from Watertown High School in June of 1962. 
He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Union College and a master of 
science degree in Human Resource Management from Chapman University.
  Lieutenant Colonel Blansett began his military career as a 
traditional guardsman with the 174th Fighter Wing, enlisting as an 
administrative clerk assigned to the Fuels Branch in 1967. Since then, 
he has served the Wing in its Support Group Orderly Room, Supply 
Squadron Executive Support Office and Combat Support Squadron. He has 
served as Squadron Executive Support Officer, Squadron On-the-Job 
Administrator, Base Chief Career Counselor and Base Utilization 
Officer, rising in rank to staff sergeant, to second lieutenant and to 
captain.
  In 1981, then Captain Blansett became a full-time member of the Guard 
as the Wing Logistics Plans Officer. In 1985, he was transferred to the 
Resources Squadron to serve as budget officer and cost analysis 
officer. He continued to be a leader in logistical deployments as the 
air cargo officer--a heavy additional duty that he maintains to date.
  In 1989, then Major Blansett was assigned to his current position as 
comptroller. During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-
91, when the 174th Fighter Wing was deployed to the Persian Gulf, Major 
Blansett served as the acting Deputy Commander for Resources.
  On September 19, 1993 Major Blansett was promoted to lieutenant 
colonel. Throughout his tenure in this position, Lieutenant Colonel 
Blansett implemented and managed a variety of programs at base level 
and has been instrumental in managing the evolution of financial 
management processes from paper to electronic systems. In his 11 years 
in this position, Lieutenant Colonel Blansett has maximized unit 
resources and played a crucial role in the improvement of Hancock 
Field's infrastructure.
  He has served as chairman of the Comptroller Advisory Board for the 
entire Air National Guard and, most recently, has advised and assisted 
the 174th in its Aerospace Expeditionary Force Deployment Operation. He 
also has played a key role in shaping the first home-station 
Operational Readiness Inspection conducted by Air Combat Command.
  During his time in service Lieutenant Colonel Blansett has received 
numerous medals and commendations. More importantly, he has earned the 
respect and admiration of the men and women who serve with him.
  In addition to his work duties, Lieutenant Colonel Blansett has been 
actively involved in the Boy Scout organization, serving as both a 
scoutmaster and Explorer advisor. Lieutenant Colonel Blansett and his 
wife, Julie, have a son, Christoper, daughter-in-law, Jen, and daughter 
Kimberly, all of whom reside in the Syracuse area.
  I take this opportunity to applaud and commend Lieutenant Colonel 
Blansett for his 30-plus years of service to the 174th Fighter Wing and 
wish him well as he conquers new challenges in retirement. We are all 
better off for his years of dedication and sacrifice.

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