[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24858]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO COLORADO'S 137TH SPACE WARNING SQUADRON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 3, 2005

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a truly 
outstanding component of this Nation's defense--the 137th Space Warning 
Squadron based in Greeley, Colorado. For the fourth time in five years 
that squadron has won the Distinguished Mission Support Plaque. This 
coveted award is sponsored by the National Guard Association of the 
United States and is presented by Lt. General Daniel James, Director of 
the Air National Guard. Only five units from the entire Air National 
Guard are selected to receive this prestigious award recognizing 
superlative performance in the defense of our nation.
  In congratulating the unit for its outstanding performance, I would 
like to give special recognition to the former commander of the 137th 
Space Warning Squadron, Brigadier General Select William E. Hudson, Air 
National Guard. During his nearly 10 years of service, from 1996 to 
2005, Colonel Hudson served as Director of Operations and then as 
Commander of the unit. He led the unit through numerous real world and 
exercise operational programs. On September 11, 2001 and afterwards, 
Colonel Hudson ensured that the 137th Space Warning Squadron would meet 
and exceed its mission responsibilities to Air Force Space Command. I 
would also like to recognize Brigadier General Mike Edwards of the 
140th Wing at Buckley Air Force Base and Major General Mason Whitney, 
the Colorado Adjutant General, for their superlative support of the 
137th Space Warning Squadron.
  In 2003 the squadron was rated ``Excellent'' by USAF Space Command's 
Operational Readiness Inspection Team for exceptional performance and 
outstanding leadership. In addition, the unit has received ratings of 
Excellent to Outstanding at countless inspections since its stand-up in 
1996. The National Guard Association's Distinguished Mission Support 
Plaque showcases the outstanding leadership, operational ability, and 
professional competence of Colorado Air National Guardsmen and women at 
the 137th Space Warning Squadron.
  I am so proud that this unit constantly goes above and beyond in its 
defense of Colorado and the United States of America. I invite my 
colleagues to join me in thanking the men and women of the 137th Space 
Warning Squadron for their unparalleled service to our community and 
our Nation.

                          ____________________