[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5062]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MICHAEL FRANCIS

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, today I wish to honor a man who has served 
faithfully for 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, with the vast majority 
of that service in the Missouri Air National Guard. It is a big loss, 
but Col. Michael Francis is scheduled to depart the 131st Bomb Wing at 
Whiteman Air Force Base on May 15, 2016, after a long and distinguished 
record of service in the unit beginning July 28, 1998.
  I think it is important to note that Colonel Francis has been 
associated with a unit whose history has spanned over nine decades and 
whose former members have included the likes of aviation pioneer 
Charles Lindbergh.
  Colonel Francis commissioned in the U.S. Air Force in 1989 as a 
graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and, after almost a decade, 
transitioned from Active Duty to the Air National Guard, continuing his 
dream of a career as a fighter pilot in the F-15 Eagle.
  Throughout Colonel Francis's service at the 131st, he has seen the 
unit transition from the F-15, the Nation's premier homeland defense 
and air superiority aircraft, to the B-2, the Nation's lethal stealth 
bomber involved in global missions. Since being chosen to command the 
first B-2 Operations Group in the Air National Guard when the 131st 
transitioned from the F-15 Eagle to the B-2 Spirit, Colonel Francis has 
been a standout leader in the nuclear community. His achievements boast 
nothing less than perfection. As the present wing commander, Colonel 
Francis paved a new path for the National Guard by leading his unit to 
be the first bomb wing certified for full-spectrum nuclear operations 
and was entrusted with strategic nuclear deterrent operations for our 
country.
  Throughout his long career at the 131st, Colonel Francis remained 
dedicated to the vital missions of the Air National Guard. However, he 
also never forgot his commitment to his wife, Jane, and sons, Greg and 
Brian.
  While Colonel Francis might be leaving the 131st Bomb Wing, he will 
continue his selflessness in service to this great country. Colonel 
Francis will be reassigned to the Missouri National Guard Headquarters 
and promoted to brigadier general.
  Again, I wish to extend Col. Michael J. Francis my sincere 
congratulations upon his new assignment and thanks for the years of 
service he has rendered to the 131st Bomb Wing, the State of Missouri, 
and the Nation.

                          ____________________