[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  177TH FIGHTER WING RECEIVES AIR FORCE OUTSTANDING UNIT COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LoBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the men and 
women of the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing based 
in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey on receiving an Air Force 
Outstanding Unit Commendation for their ongoing homeland defense 
efforts as part of Operation Noble Eagle.
  Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the 177th ``Jersey 
Devils'' have dedicated themselves to securing the skies of the East 
Coast from terrorist threats and have set an example of excellence for 
their colleagues in the military and for their neighbors in the Second 
Congressional District of New Jersey.
  Recently, I accompanied General Ralph Eberhart, Commander of the 
Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command 
(NORAD), on a trip to the 177th Fighter Wing to review the unit and 
thank them for their service. The pride and devotion to duty I saw that 
day was at the same level it was in the days after September 11 and I 
am firmly convinced this dedication will remain evident and strong for 
the duration.
  This award is well deserved and I want to congratulate the leaders of 
the NJANG 177th Fighter Wing--Wing Commander Col. Michael G. Cosby, 
Vice Commander Col. Barry M. Johnson, Vice Wing Commander Lt. Col. 
Brian L. Webster, Vice Air Commander Lt. Col. Randall S. King, 
Executive Officer Capt. Yvonne L. Mays, and Command Chief Master 
Sergeant Herbert E. Mimler, Jr. on this award.
  I also congratulate the Wing's group, squadron and flight commanders 
including Lt. Col. Roger F. Pharo, Jr., Lt. Col. Richard L. Hutchinson, 
Col. James T. Strader, Jr., Col. David J. Mellish, Lt. Col. Jeffrey C. 
Thomas, Maj. David G. Haar, Lt. Col. John C. Elwood, Lt. Col. Kerry M. 
Gentry, Maj. Michael K. Love, Maj. Stephen G. McBrearty, Maj. John J. 
Fogarty III, Lt. Col. Harry Hartman, Lt. Col. Scott J. Barberides, 
Capt. Diana M. Brown, 2nd Lt. Richard L. Defeo, 2nd Lt. Brian W. 
McCarthy and Capt. Thomas S. Fanslau. I salute each and every member of 
the Wing for their hard work and service to our nation. The efforts of 
the 177th Fighter Wing have been essential to America's homeland 
defense and this award honors those efforts. Congratulations.

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