[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17931]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DICK RUTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Richard Glenn ``Dick'' Rutan, an aerospace pioneer, as he celebrated 
his 70th birthday on July 1, 2008.
  Dick was born in Loma Linda, California, on July 1, 1938. At a young 
age, Dick developed an avid interest in piloting. By the time he turned 
16, Dick was earning both his driver's license and pilot certificate. 
Dick has always had a passionate thirst for learning, thereby leading 
him to join the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program at the age of 19 and 
later receiving a commission as a Lieutenant. Dick went on to obtain a 
Bachelor of Science Degree at the American Technological University 
through the Air Force Professional Education ``Boot Strap'' Program.
  When the Vietnam War broke out, Dick established himself as a brave, 
highly competent, and rigorous leader. As a Tactical Air Command 
fighter pilot, Dick flew 324 combat missions, 105 of which were as a 
high-risk classified operation known as the MISTY's. The many 
achievements Dick accomplished while serving in the Air Force merited 
him the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, 
and the Purple Heart.
  After Dick's retirement, he joined forces with his brother, Burt 
Rutan, as the Production Manager and Chief Test Pilot for Rutan 
Aircraft Factory. He is widely recognized for his successes involving 
the world speed and distance records set in the Long-EZ, an airplane 
designed by Burt. To honor Dick's many achievements in record-setting 
flights, he was awarded the prestigious Louis Bleriot Medal by the 
Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
  In 1981, Dick expanded his wings even further to found Voyager 
Aircraft, Incorporated and settle in the history books by completing 
the first-ever around-the-world, non-stop, non-refueled flight. Nine 
days, three minutes and forty-four seconds after Dick and his copilot 
Jeana Yeager took off, he landed at Edwards Air Force Base in 
California. The plane he piloted in this successful quest is now 
suspended in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's 
``Milestones of Flight'' gallery in Washington, D.C. President Ronald 
Reagan awarded Dick and his team with the Presidential Citizens Medal, 
four days after the team's outstanding feat.
  Time and time again, Dick has delved into projects that allow him to 
expound upon his knowledge and share his expertise and adventures with 
others. These have included a sightseeing airplane trek to the North 
Pole, the World Quest Project, and the Spirit of EAA Friendship World 
Tour. He established the Dick Rutan Scholarship Fund to assist youth in 
furthering their education and is actively involved in the Experimental 
Aircraft Association's Science, Math and Technology (S-M-T) program.
  Today, Dick continues his quest of traveling the world by educating 
others through the accounts of his many adventures. He exudes dedicated 
passion, courage of conviction, and wisdom and he exemplifies the true 
marks of leadership. His distinguished achievements have gained him 
renowned recognition and respect, and I am pleased to wish him a happy 
birthday!

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