[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO THE 132ND FIGHTER WING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the 
outstanding work being done every day in Des Moines, Iowa by members of 
the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard.
   As we are well aware, the U.S. Air Force has recently proposed a 
reduction of hundreds of Iowa Air Guard positions and the retirement of 
the Wing's F-16 aircraft, included in cuts to the Air National Guard 
nationwide. In the face of this uncertainty, the fine men and women 
that make up the 132nd Fighter Wing have done what Iowans do best--let 
their work ethic speak for itself. I am honored to congratulate them on 
the four major national level awards they have attained in the last six 
months alone. The awards include the NGAUS Distinguished Flying Unit, 
Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy, Maintenance 
Effectiveness Award in the Medium Category, and the ARC Logistics 
Activity of the Year Award. These awards affirm the 132nd as the Top 
Logistics Readiness Squadron and Top Maintenance organization in the 
entire Air National Guard.
   Yesterday, this House passed H.J. Resolution 117 with my support 
which contained a crucial provision that places a moratorium on the 
proposed retirement of the 132nd Fighter Wing's F-16s, along with other 
proposed aircraft retirements from the Air National Guard. I do not 
believe that the Air Force's recommendation to close this fighter wing 
was based on thorough cost-benefit analysis. I will continue working to 
ensure that defense spending decisions are based on solid data and 
strengthening our national security, and working to fight for the 
permanent protection the members of the 132nd Fighter Wing deserve.
   Mr. Speaker, the men and women that comprise the nationally 
acclaimed 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines are some of the most 
experienced in the Air Force. They are crucial contributors to our 
nation's security, both at home and abroad, and this body is wise for 
standing with them and pressing for more accountable decision making by 
the Pentagon. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
congratulating the Iowa Air Guard on their recent achievements as we 
look forward to many more to come. May God continue to watch over all 
of our soldiers, and their families, across the world and here at home.

                          ____________________