[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12297]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE AIR FORCE ESSAY CONTEST WINNER--ASHITA GANGULY

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2008

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am pleased today to place in the 
Congressional Record the following winning essay, which Ashita Ganguly, 
a Senior at Paris High School in Paris, Texas, submitted to the Air 
Force Essay Contest.

Part of the Air Force Mission Statement Is ``Excellence in All We Do''; 
                      What Does This Mean To You?

       Excellence is a tradition that beats proudly in the hearts 
     of all Americans. The United States Air Force is a specific 
     example of the furtherance of such a tradition. Since its 
     formation in 1947, the Air Force has relentlessly strived to 
     serve and protect America and her people with unyielding 
     strength, valor, and conviction. Although it has established 
     itself as the largest and most technologically advanced air 
     force in the world, it is the spirited and courageous men and 
     women, selflessly serving their country and fellow citizens, 
     who truly distinguish the United States Air Force from all 
     others.
       Webster defines excellence as unusual goodness or worth. 
     Throughout its existence, the Air Force has showcased this 
     unique generosity not only in regards to national affairs, 
     but also in world affairs. During the Cold War, when Soviet 
     leader Joseph Stalin disrupted the supply traffic to Berlin, 
     the United States Air Force undertook Operation Vittles, also 
     known as the Berlin Airlifts. From June of 1948 to May of 
     1949, the Air Force was able to deliver an astounding 2.3 
     million tons of cargo on the 277,685 flights, providing vital 
     necessities to all of Berlin's citizens. The excellence in 
     efficiency proved by the Air Force in these missions 
     continues to remain un-matched. In the years following, the 
     Air Force continued to lead in many other humanitarian 
     efforts including Operation Safe Haven, which relocated 
     20,000 Hungarian refugees following the Hungarian Revolution 
     of 1956, and Operation Provide Hope, which provided medical 
     equipment to former Soviet republics during their transition 
     to democratic and free-market states.
       Since its conception, the Air Force has been involved in a 
     number of wars and conflicts including World War I, World War 
     II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf 
     War, the Kosovo War, and, of course, the Iraq War. Its 
     members have valiantly served to preserve democratic values 
     in all parts of the world with great regard to ``a proud 
     heritage, a tradition of honor, and a legacy of valor,'' as 
     stated in The Airman's Creed.
       A few years ago, I witnessed this tradition first hand when 
     visiting Andrews Air Force base in Maryland. Watching the air 
     show, I was astonished to see the meticulous craft and 
     precision displayed by the pilots. The intricate and complex 
     formations of the planes in flight still lives in my memory. 
     However, despite being surrounded by the most sophisticated 
     and advanced technology comprehensible to man, it was the 
     infectious spirit of enthusiasm for duty that captivated me. 
     Watching the pilots animatedly discuss their air crafts and 
     missions spurred my interest.
       The 351,800 members of the United States Air Force, groomed 
     by tradition, guided by values, and driven by strife towards 
     excellence represent the heart and soul of American culture. 
     Exhibiting superiority of character and performance, both on 
     and off duty, they are the role models in an often misguided 
     period in society. As the United States Air Force continues 
     ``To fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace,'' ordinary 
     citizens, like me, can only expect excellence in all of their 
     endeavors. Their example inspires us all.

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