[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 25]
[Senate]
[Pages 33840-33841]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL BENJAMIN J. SPRAGGINS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize 
and say farewell to an outstanding Air Force officer, BG Benjamin J. 
Spraggins, upon his retirement from the Air Force after more than 34 
years of service. Throughout his career, Brigadier General Spraggins 
has served with distinction, and it is my privilege to recognize his 
many accomplishments and commend him for his service to the Air Force, 
the Congress, and our grateful Nation.
  Brigadier General Spraggins is a longtime resident of my home State 
and devoted public servant of Harrison County, MS. He enlisted in the 
U.S. Air Force on March 17, 1972. After over 6 years of successful 
enlisted service, reaching the grade of technical sergeant, Brigadier 
General Spraggins received his commission from the Academy of Military 
Science, McGhee Tyson, TN. Following graduation from Officer Candidate 
School, Brigadier General Spraggins completed aviation school at Mather 
Air Force Base, CA, and RF-4C training at Shaw, Air Force Base, SC. 
Brigadier General Spraggins was then stationed with the 187th TRG at 
Dannelly Field, AL, flying the RF-4C fighter aircraft. While stationed 
in the 187th, Brigadier General Spraggins served in many critical 
positions, including instructor, scheduling officer and assistant chief 
of standards and evaluations. He flew the RF-4C from 1979 to 1983 and 
was a weapons instructor in the F-4D from 1983 to 1988 at the 187th 
Fighter Wing. Brigadier General Spraggins completed his military flying 
career with over 2,500 hours in the T-37, T-43, RF-4C, and F-4D 
aircraft.
  On September 23, 1987, Brigadier General Spraggins was assigned to 
the Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, MS. During his tenure 
at the training center, he served in various positions, including range 
control officer, director of operations, operations group commander, 
and finally as commander of the Combat Readiness Training Center. As 
commander, Brigadier General Spraggins was responsible for operations 
and training of over 20,000 military personnel annually and

[[Page 33841]]

provided oversight for a $75 million budget.
  Concurrently, Brigadier General Spraggins was sent to Andrews Air 
Force Base, DC, in 2002 to run the Crisis Action Team for the Air 
National Guard. In 2003, he also served as the commander of the 186th 
Air Refueling Wing, where he was responsible for operations of KC-135 
aircraft wing, with over 1,000 personnel and oversight of a $48 million 
annual budget. He was the first member of the Mississippi Air National 
Guard to simultaneously command two major units, the Combat Readiness 
Training Center and the 186th Air Refueling Wing.
  Brigadier General Spraggins was assigned to the Tennessee Air 
National Guard in November 2005 as the chief of staff. In this capacity 
he was responsible to the adjutant general for readiness of Tennessee's 
three flying wings and three mission support units. In addition to 
duties as chief of staff, Brigadier General Spraggins also served as 
the air deputy commander, joint forces Headquarters, Tennessee National 
Guard. Brigadier General Spraggins was also attached as the battle 
commander for Air Force North, Tyndall AFB, FL. In this capacity he was 
responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the 
continental United States.
  During his long and distinguished career, Brigadier General Spraggins 
successfully completed Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff, 
and the Air War College with the Air University. His decorations and 
awards include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Mississippi Magnolia Cross, Tennessee Meritorious 
Service Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious 
Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity 
Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the Air Force Training 
Ribbon.
  Upon the retirement of Brigadier General Spraggins after 34 years of 
dedicated service, I offer my congratulations to him and his wife Judy. 
Brigadier General Spraggins is a credit to both the Air Force and the 
United States of America. I know that I speak for all my colleagues in 
expressing heartfelt appreciation to him. I wish Brigadier General 
Spraggins blue skies and safe landings and congratulate him on 
completion of an outstanding and successful career.

                          ____________________