[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26191]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



COLONEL THOMAS R. FRIERS TO RETIRE FROM THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ON 
                            31 DECEMBER 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVE WELDON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 4, 2000

  Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Friers' 28 years of 
service to our Nation culminate with his present assignment as 
Commander of the Department of Defense Manned Space Flight Support 
Office. Prior to entering the service, he received a Bachelor of 
Science degree in mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University, New 
York. He later received a Master of Science degree in Management from 
Central Missouri State University.
  During the course of his Air Force career, Colonel Friers rose to the 
level of command pilot accumulating more than 4,000 hours of flying 
time in five fixed and rotary-winged aircraft. Colonel Friers served in 
a multitude of locations around the world from Vietnam to the Persian 
Gulf. He served at many levels: DOD Staff, Air Force Headquarters, and 
Major Command. Colonel Friers was awarded command a remarkable five 
times. He commanded a detachment, a squadron, a group, a DOD staff 
agency, and the Air Force's elite Combat Rescue School. He also served 
as flight examiner, aide to commander, director of command protocol, 
and chief of rescue division at the major command level.
  The decorations from his 28 years of service include the Defense 
Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service 
Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the 
Joint Service Commendation Medal.
  Colonel Friers commanded troops during our Nation's triumph in the 
Persian Gulf. He also commanded during the Khobar Tower bombing, when 
his 1st Rescue Group lost 5 brave airmen.
  During good times and bad, Colonel Friers has led with courage and 
distinction. Like our great national symbol, the eagles of a colonel 
are well suited to represent the character of this great leader.

                          ____________________