[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT DAVID L. BENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Chief 
Master Sergeant David L. Benson. Originally from Chittenango, NY, Chief 
Benson enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and subsequently 
has spent over 38 years with the New York Air National Guard. Chief 
Benson has been decorated with numerous medals, awards and service 
distinctions. It is my honor to recognize such a distinguished citizen 
and soldier.
  Chief Benson's career began as an Aircraft Mechanic at Amarillo Air 
Force Base, Texas. Soon after he was assigned to the 4626th Support 
Squadron, Sage, Air Defense Command at Topsham Air Force Station in 
Brunswick, Maine. After completion of his four year tour of duty, Chief 
Benson was granted his release from active duty and became a member of 
the 174th Fighter Wing of the New York National Guard. Here he 
preformed duties as an Aircraft Crew Chief on the F-86H Sabrejet 
Fighter Aircraft and the A-37B Dragonfly. He was also an Egress Shop 
Chief and Accessories Element Supervisor. Concluding his career, Chief 
Benson served as a Noncommissioned Officer In-charge of the Component 
Repair Flight.
  Mr. Speaker, Chief Benson has served our nation proud in many 
military arenas. He has been deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of the 
Persian Gulf War and once again to the Middle East during Operation 
Northern Watch as part of contingency operations enforcing the no-fly 
zone over Northern Iraq. He also participated in Operation Noble Eagle 
after the September 11th attacks.
  During these times and throughout his career, Chief Benson has 
displayed honorable character and service to the 174th and our country. 
His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air 
Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He also 
holds the Joint Meritorious Service Award with one oak leaf cluster, 
and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat ``V'' device and 
four oak leaf clusters. His service awards include the Air Force Good 
Conduct Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with 
ten oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with two 
bronze service stars, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three 
bronze campaign stars, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with eight 
oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with the gold 
hourglass device and three Mobilization ``M'' devices, the Small Arms 
Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon. His 
Foreign Service awards include the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait Liberation Medal from the 
Government of Kuwait. Chief Benson's New York State military awards 
include the New York State Long and Faithful Service Award with five 
shield devices, the New York State Desert Storm Service Medal, the New 
York State Defense of Liberty Medal and the New York State Exercise 
Support Ribbon with two ``E'' devices.
  Without question Mr. Speaker, Chief Benson is a very special person. 
He willingly served his nation, exuding loyalty and pride. For his 
unrelenting service, Chief Benson can retire knowing he has earned such 
a status. I would like to wish him well in his retirement years, as he 
will now be able to spend more free time with his wife Stephanie, 
daughter Natalie and two sons, David and Jason. Thank you Chief for all 
your years of hard work and dedication.

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