[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29227]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COLONEL HAL HOXIE RETIRES AFTER 27 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE UNITED STATES 
                               AIR FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2009

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize COL 
Hal Hoxie on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air 
Force.
  Colonel Hoxie was born November 6, 1958 in Chewelah, Washington, and 
went to college at Eastern Oregon State University, graduating with a 
bachelor's degree in business in 1983. He received his commission 
through Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base in 
Montgomery, Alabama, in 1983 and was selected to attend pilot training 
at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. During pilot training at Vance Air 
Force Base, Colonel Hoxie's professionalism and attention to detail 
marked him as a natural leader and upon graduation he was selected to 
remain a T-38 instructor and chief flight examiner. Subsequently, 
Colonel Hoxie was recognized as the distinguished graduate from his 
pilot instructor training course. In May 1988, Colonel Hoxie converted 
to the F-15C at the 60th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force 
Base, Florida, and was immediately called upon to fly in support of 
Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. During his time at Eglin Air Force 
Base, Colonel Hoxie attended Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air 
Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was recognized as a top 
graduate for his academic and military achievement. Also during this 
tour, Colonel Hoxie deployed in direct support of Operation DESERT 
SHIELD/DESERT STORM and flew 66 missions helping to consolidate a swift 
and complete victory for the allied forces.
  Colonel Hoxie went on to work in various staff positions including 
executive officer to the Athletic Department Director at the United 
States Air Force Academy, executive officer to the Vice Commander 
Headquarters, Air Combat Command, and Senior Operations Duty Officer at 
Osan Air Base, Korea. He also commanded the 94th Flying Training 
Squadron at the Air Force Academy, led as the Deputy Operations Group 
Commander at the 34th Operations Group, United States Air Force 
Academy, utilizing his skill as a trainer and mentor, and was the Chief 
of Homeland Defense and Security at Headquarters, Air Combat Command, 
Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Following this assignment, Colonel 
Hoxie went on to command the 355th Mission Support Group at Davis 
Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
  For the past 2 years, Colonel Hoxie has performed with distinction in 
the Legislative Liaison Directorate. From May 2008 to March 2009, he 
led the Programs and Legislative Division, ensuring prompt and thorough 
response to the Congress on policy and personnel issues concerning the 
United States Air Force. From March 2009 to the present, Colonel Hoxie 
led the Congressional Inquiry division, providing efficient and 
thorough response to over 5,000 congressional inquiries.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of Congress and the United States of 
America, I thank COL Hal Hoxie, his wife Kathy, to whom he's been 
married for 31 years, and their four sons: Aaron, Allen, Austin, and 
Andrew. The Hoxies have been a proud Air Force family for the duration 
of Colonel Hoxie's career and I salute the entire family for their 
continued commitment, sacrifice, and contribution to this great Nation. 
Again, I congratulate Colonel Hoxie on his retirement and wish him 
Godspeed as he transitions into his new job as president of Central 
Christian College in McPherson, Kansas.

                          ____________________