[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9029]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR GENERAL EDWARD J. MECHENBIER FOR HIS SERVICE TO 
                      THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE AUSTRIA

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2012

  Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh 
Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Major General Edward 
J. Mechenbier for his outstanding career in the United States Air 
Force, his leadership to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and his 
heroic acts for our Nation.

  A graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964, General 
Mechenbier attended pilot training and served tours in Europe and 
Southeast Asia flying the F-4C. In June 1967, he was shot down on his 
80th mission over North Vietnam and spent 5 years, 8 months, and 4 days 
as a prisoner of war. On 29 May of 2004, he flew his final flight, 
returning to Hanoi on the same aircraft to bring home the remains of 
two servicemembers listed as missing in action.

  In 1973, he was assigned to the Fighter Branch, 4950th Test Wing, 
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 1975 he resigned his regular 
commission and continued to fly the F-100 and A-7 for 16 years with the 
Ohio National Guard. In 1991, General Mechenbier transferred to the Air 
Force Reserve where he served with the Joint Logistics Systems Center 
and Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.

  General Mechenbier has more than four decades of active-duty, Guard 
and Reserve service. Throughout his service he has been awarded two 
Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze star with V, 
two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, 9 Air medals and the 
P.O.W. medal.

  Major General Mechenbier, the Air Force's last serving Vietnam-era 
former prisoner of war, retired in June of 2004. He served as the 
mobilization assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Force 
Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His 
outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that 
reflects his dedication and service to our community and Nation.

  Thus, with great pride, I recognize Major General Ed Mechenbier for 
his commendable service to the citizens of the United States and his 
long-term commitment to the United States Air Force. I join the people 
of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending my great 
appreciation for his service and success in all future endeavors.



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