[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3277]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF MR. ALEX A. BOUDREAUX

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio-

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday March 3, 2011

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life 
and achievements of the late Mr. Alex A. Boudreaux.
  A member of World War II's illustrious Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Boudreaux 
was also believed to be the nation's first black civilian air-traffic 
controller, dedicating three decades of his life to Port Columbus.
  Alex Boudreaux first fell in love with aviation while growing up in 
Lake Charles, Louisiana. He left college after two years during World 
War II to join the Army Air Corps training program. After the Tuskegee 
program ended, Mr. Boudreaux received training in air-traffic 
controlling. Although he never flew with the Air Corps, he continued to 
pursue his passion for flying and earned his civilian pilot's license. 
Following the war he commenced working as an air-traffic controller at 
Rickenbacker Air Force Base and went on to serve Port Columbus for 30 
years before retiring in 1977.
  Mr. Boudreaux acquired many distinct honors and accolades throughout 
his impressive time on this planet and always remained active in his 
community. He was a great supporter of numerous veteran organizations 
such as the Tuskegee Airmen Association and Motts Military Museum in 
Groveport, Ohio. He also devoted much of his time to the Columbus Urban 
League, YMCA and Knights of Columbus. In 2007, he was among 330 
Tuskegee Airmen presented with the Congressional Gold Medal from 
President George W. Bush.
  The story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen is one worthy of immense 
respect. The many tales of courage and patriotism exhibited by men such 
as Alex Boudreaux during America's efforts to defeat the Axis powers 
make up a truly remarkable contribution to U.S. history. Alex 
Boudreaux's commitment to his country, the famed Tuskegee Airman, and 
central Ohio was eclipsed only by his passion and dedication for his 
family. He left behind a loving family spanning three generations 
including four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
  After 90 years of life, Alex Boudreaux recently passed away leaving a 
legacy of unwavering service to his country and to central Ohio. In 
light of his contributions and service, I believe he deserves great 
respect and admiration. He will be a sorely missed member of the 
central Ohio community and his influence will be felt for years to 
come.

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