[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11324]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                             MR. CHRIS BLUM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2009

  Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Chris Blum, FAA 
Regional Administrator for Central Region, on the occasion of his 
retirement after 38 years of serving the FAA.
  Chris began his career in 1970 as a controller at the Miami Air 
Traffic Control Center. He has since served in various management 
positions in the FAA's Southern, Central and Great Lakes Regions. In 
April 2005, he was asked to handle two regions--Central and Great 
Lakes. This resulted in a twelve-state span, and was a first for the 
FAA. He was also responsible for such high volume and high visibility 
facilities as Chicago O'Hare. In 2008, Chris was detailed as the Acting 
Administrator for Regions and Center Operations, Washington, DC.
  Chris has earned the gratitude and respect of his fellow colleagues 
and fellow citizens. His life's dedication and hard work should serve 
as an example to the rest of us on how we can better serve each other 
and our great nation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Mr. 
Chris Blum for his dedicated service. I know Chris's colleagues, family 
and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to others 
and wishing him happiness and good health in his retirement.

                          ____________________