[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 23]
[Senate]
[Page 31875]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING LTC DARWIN EDWARDS

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I wish to speak about my friend, 
Darwin Edwards, curator of the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force 
Base for the past 14 years who passed away Saturday after a lifetime of 
service.
  Lieutenant Colonel Edwards was born in Whigham, Georgia 67 years ago. 
Interested in flight from a young age, he attended the United States 
Air Force Academy in Colorado as a member of its fourth class. He then 
served in the Air Force for 33 years, including a tour in Vietnam where 
he earned the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and many 
other honors from the United States and foreign governments.
  Darwin Edwards was able to combine his love of aviation and his 
desire to serve his fellow Americans by joining the Museum of Aviation 
at Warner Robins. This museum, with 93 aircraft and missiles, is a 
first-rate facility with aircraft spanning World War II though the Cold 
War, including fighters, bombers, and cargo and trainer aircraft. It 
also includes helicopters and missiles.
  Darwin Edwards worked hard to build up the museum. His personal touch 
was a big reason the museum has developed into the fourth largest 
aviation museum in the United States. Until he was stricken ill at his 
home several weeks ago, he was working on its $30 million Century 2000 
Next Generation expansion program.
  I have known Darwin Edwards for many years and sincerely express my 
admiration and respect for him. Several times, I used the museum to 
hold Christmas receptions for cadets who had received nominations to 
the service academies. Each time, Darwin took the time to take the 
young men and women on a personal guided tour of the museum, providing 
his insight and detailed knowledge of this outstanding facility.
  Darwin Edwards leaves behind his wife, Sheila, his two sons, Richard 
and Howard, as well as a granddaughter, and six sisters and three 
brothers. He also leaves behind many friends as well as a grateful 
Nation.
  We will miss Darwin Edwards greatly and we extend to his family and 
friends our heartfelt condolences.

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