[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15680]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF LTC JOHN BURKE'S RETIREMENT

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of LTC 
John Burke upon his retirement from the U.S. Air Force. John is the 
longest certified C-5 pilot in the history of the U.S. Air Force, and 
has served his country with distinction for 32 years.
  Since 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Burke has served as Chief Pilot for 
the 709th Airlift Squadron at Dover Air Force Base. Assigned to 
overseas mission support, joint service exercises, humanitarian relief, 
Presidential movement and aircrew training, he has been indispensable 
to his squadron's success.
  In his latest position, Lieutenant Colonel Burke was responsible for 
evaluating procedures and techniques that ensured the safety and 
efficacy of the C-5 in its strategic airlift missions, as well as 
evaluating its pilots.
  As you may know, the C-5 is the Air Force's largest cargo aircraft, 
capable of quickly moving large numbers of men, women and materiel to 
troubled areas around the world.
  The C-5 will ensure our military readiness for generations to come, 
as will Lieutenant Colonel Burke's legacy of leadership and heroism.
  Lieutenant Colonel Burke is a well-rounded, seasoned officer with a 
record for consistently combining effective leadership and 
professionalism. He leads by example--motivating people, making key 
decisions, producing results and maintaining high morale. He has 
amassed an impressive 7,400 flight hours and frequent accolades.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Lieutenant Colonel Burke flew in 
vital missions and earned numerous decorations. In a career that spans 
three decades, Lieutenant Colonel Burke has served in significant 
military campaigns, such as Nickel Grass, Desert Shield and Desert 
Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Just Cause.
  On May 30, 1972, barraged by antiaircraft fire flying over Southeast 
Asia, Burke landed in Song Be to deliver much needed fuel and 
ammunition to allied troops fighting hostile forces, earning the 
Distinguished Flying Cross. Additionally, he has garnered numerous 
other medals and commendations, including the Meritorious Service 
Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, 
the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam 
Gallantry Cross.
  Military service runs in the New York native's blood. Lieutenant 
Colonel Burke's father was a World War II Army Air Force navigator and 
bombardier, and his mother was an Army nurse. Joining the U.S. Air 
Force in 1970, Lieutenant Colonel Burke carried on the family tradition 
of military allegiance.
  LTC John Burke marked his career with consistent, exemplary 
leadership in service to his Nation, earning a reputation for loyalty, 
dedication, integrity, and honesty. Upon his retirement he leaves a 
legacy of commitment to freedom that generations will follow. I commend 
him for his remarkable service and wish him the best in his future 
endeavors. He is a patriot in every sense of the word.

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