[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 565]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MAJOR GENERAL ALLEN E. TACKETT, THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, WEST 
                        VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2011

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in recognition for one of West 
Virginia's most beloved sons, a genuine and proven leader, an American 
patriot, and my dear friend, Major General Allen Tackett.
  Tomorrow, after 48 years of faithful service to our State and our 
Nation, General Tackett will step down as Commander of more than 6,000 
West Virginia citizen soldiers and airmen. He will begin his retirement 
having earned the outstanding distinction of not only being the 
longest-serving adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, 
but also of being our Nation's longest-serving adjutant general.
  In West Virginia, the men and women of our National Guard are held in 
high regard by their fellow citizens. Since 1995, through the 
leadership of General Tackett, they annually rank number one in the 
country for mission readiness. Whether it is a perilous flight mission 
in the depths of winter to rescue military personnel trapped in our 
deep, snow-covered mountains, or a mission to provide aid and comfort 
to fellow West Virginians ravaged by flood waters, or deployed to far 
corners of the world to protect our democracy and ensure peace around 
the globe, the West Virginia National Guard has answered the call, time 
and again.
  From the Civil War that gave birth to my State, to present-day wars 
in Iraq and Afghanistan, the record of service by so many patriotic 
West Virginians places our State in the top percentage of all Americans 
who have donned America's uniform. As Mountaineers, we are incredibly 
proud of our record and extraordinary military leaders, like Major 
General Tackett, who rise from the ranks to train, lead, and mentor our 
soldiers and airmen with great honor, personal pride, commitment, and 
sacrifice, and an enduring passion for the freedoms in our democracy.
  The American people owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our 362,192 
men and women members of the National Guard, who in service to the 
United States, maintain the Guard's multi-mission role--providing 
nearly 33 percent of America's combat power globally--and, 
simultaneously and with great skill--serving their fellow citizens in 
defense of our homeland, in support of state and local civil 
authorities, and fulfilling emergency response needs.
  For decades, there has been a significant evolution in the missions 
and capabilities of the National Guard. As General Tackett has so aptly 
stated, ``Not since World War II has the Guard been so vital to our 
overseas mission, and not since the founding of our Nation has the 
Guard been so vital to the defense of our homeland.''
  For over 34 years, I have been privileged to represent the people of 
southern West Virginia, and it is with humbleness and sincerity that I 
say, from the home front to the front lines, our West Virginia National 
Guard is a model of the commitment to excellence and professional 
dedication to America's defense, thanks to the commitment, vision, and 
leadership of Major General Tackett.
  Therefore, it is my honor and great privilege to commend Major 
General Allen E. Tackett, the Adjutant General of the West Virginia 
National Guard: For his 48 years in service to our country; for his 25 
years served in Special Forces units; for his vital contributions--with 
the force and voice of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd--working to block 
the closing of the 130th Airlift Wing by the Base Realignment and 
Closure Commission in 2005; for his passion for education and creating 
hope and opportunity through his support for programs such as, the West 
Virginia National Guards' Tuition Assistance; and for his work with at-
risk youths through the National Youth ChalleNGe program.
  Mr. Speaker, on occasion, Senator Byrd enjoyed comparing General 
Tackett's skills to those of the Carthaginian General, Hannibal. I 
agree with the Senator--when Allen Tackett tackles a problem, it is as 
if his opponents are facing a thunderous herd of raging bull elephants. 
Today, I join my fellow West Virginians in recognition and 
congratulatory acknowledgement of the great achievements of Major 
General Tackett as he begins this new chapter in his life with his 
beloved wife, Sallie.

                          ____________________