[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27759]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    BRIGADIER GENERAL ERNIE TALBERT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2005

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to Brigadier General Ernie Talbert. This amazing man was 
also the first African American promoted to the rank of general in the 
350-year history of the Delaware National Guard. I chose to wait until 
today to recognize General Talbert's first because today is also 
another great first--it is Delaware Day, which signifies the birth of 
our Nation. At his promotion ceremony on December 4, 2005, he was 
described by Major General Frank Vavala, as ``having a career of firsts 
. . . a pacesetter, a role model and a champion of change.'' I find 
Ernie Talbert to be all of those things and much more. He is a 
distinguished leader, an insightful and honest man, and a true patriot. 
Recognizing General Talbert on Delaware Day, which signifies the birth 
of our Nation, seemed a much deserved honor.
  A native of Wilmington, Delaware, General Talbert's military career 
began in 1973 as a United States Air Force pilot flying C-141s out of 
Charleston, South Carolina. His 26 years of distinguished service with 
the Delaware National Guard began in January 1979, and today he is a 
command pilot with 6,500 flying hours. General Talbert's career with 
the Delaware Air Guard has been noteworthy in the wide variety of 
positions he has held including Squadron Commander; Operations Group 
Commander; Wing Commander and Chief of Staff for the Delaware Air 
Guard.
  General Talbert's impact is certainly not limited to the Delaware 
National Guard. He is actively involved in many professional and 
community organizations including the John Porter Chapter of the 
Tuskegee Airmen; the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame; the Brig. General 
Spruance Chapter of the Air Force Association; and the Central Baptist 
Church.
  I congratulate Ernie Talbert for his years of extraordinary service 
and countless contributions to the Delaware National Guard and the 
community. General Talbert is an exemplary citizen, and on behalf of 
all Delawareans I would like to thank him and his family for the many 
sacrifices they have made during the past 26 years. His recent 
promotion to the rank of brigadier general is appropriate recognition 
for a remarkable career.

                          ____________________