[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4948]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO SENIOR AIRMAN MICHAEL J. HINKLE II

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, we rise to pay tribute to a hero from my 
congressional district, Senior Airman Michael J. Hinkle II. Today we 
ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this 
incredible young man who died while serving our country.
  Hinkle grew up in my hometown, Corona, California, with his father 
Michael Hinkle Senior and stepmother Cynna Hinkle. He spent summers in 
Michigan with his mother and stepfather, Robert Jakowinicz.
  Senior Airman Hinkle followed in his father's footsteps joined the 
Air Force in December of 2005 and his first overseas post was in 
Okinawa. In 2008, Hinkle reenlisted with the Air Force and was 
stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD, in November of 2008. Airman 
Hinkle deployed to the 386th ECS from the 28th Communications Squadron 
at Ellsworth in November. At a memorial service held by the members of 
the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing for a fallen Marauder on March 19, 
Hinkle's fellow service members paid tribute to his constant smile and 
easy going attitude. Major James Hewitt, 386th ECS commander, stated:

       ``Even though Mike's life was short, it was full of 
     accomplishments and honor. Mike joined (the Air Force) and 
     immediately headed off to become a cyber transport systems 
     journeyman. There could not have been a better career field 
     for Mike to join. Mike loved computers, networking and 
     gaming. He loved being a COMM geek.

  Airman Hinkle's fellow Airmen fondly remembered him for his positive 
attitude; Hinkle was known for stepping up to the plate and helping out 
whenever he was needed. Airman Hinkle accomplished so much during his 
short time and he will be dearly missed by his unit and all who knew 
him. He was buried in Michigan earlier this week. Airman Hinkle was 24 
years old. He is survived by his father, mother, stepfather, 
stepmother, five stepsiblings and a brother.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we 
realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Senior Airman 
Hinkle, who bravely chose an honorable life of military service. Each 
story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers 
they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day 
the Hinkle family learned of the death of their son and brother was 
probably the hardest day they have ever faced and our thoughts, prayers 
and deepest gratitude go out to the family and friends of Airman 
Hinkle. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words 
we can offer only begin to convey our deep respect and highest 
appreciation.
  Senior Airman Hinkle's family have all given a part of themselves in 
the loss of their loved one and we hope they know that his service and 
the goodness he brought to this world will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________