[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12598]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING MR. RAY JENNINGS ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2016

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Ray Jennings 
on the occasion of his well-deserved retirement from the Bedford County 
Airport in Bedford, PA.
  Ray began a distinguished military career in the Air Force Air 
Defense Command, serving tours across North America. From there, his 
career advanced as he gained extensive international flying experience. 
He later attended the Air Force Institute of Technology, Squadron 
Officers School, the Air Command and Staff College, and the University 
of Illinois, where he studied aeronautical engineering.
  Next, Ray spent time helping develop and test aircraft until he was 
dispatched to Vietnam, where he flew 138 combat missions. As a result 
of his courageous service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying 
Cross, two Purple Hearts, and various Air Medals. After being shot down 
and rescued, Ray returned home, where he continued to serve his country 
admirably until his retirement at Andrews Air Force Base.
  Following his remarkable military career, Ray was a member of the 
Bedford County Air Authority from 1985 to 2009, serving as its 
Secretary and Treasurer from 1994 to 2009. For the past 22 years, Ray 
has been the Manager of the local Bedford County Airport. Through these 
experiences, he proved himself instrumental in establishing the Airport 
as a significant, award-winning asset for the county.
  Ray has also provided his extensive expertise and service to aviation 
and transportation boards at the state and local levels. Additionally, 
he has been a member of Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development 
Commission, which has been a notable force in promoting economic and 
community development in Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Somerset, Bedford, 
and Fulton Counties.
  It is my honor to recognize the selfless and impactful career of Mr. 
Ray Jennings, who not only sacrificed for his country but also his 
state, community, and family. The impact of his service is sure to live 
on, and I wish him the absolute best in his hard-earned retirement.

                          ____________________