[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15477-15478]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL GARY L. SAYLER, USAF (RET.), ADJUTANT 
                             GENERAL--IDAHO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2017

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General Gary L. 
Sayler, an extraordinary leader with 45 years of selfless service, 
appreciative leadership, constructive mentorship, and exceptional 
meritorious service.
  Born and raised in North Dakota, Major General Sayler entered the 
ROTC program at North Dakota State University, graduating in 1971 with 
a Bachelor of Science degree in history and a commission as a second 
lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
  He entered undergraduate navigator training at Mather Air Force Base, 
California, in June 1971. As a second lieutenant, he received F-4 
weapons system formal training at George Air Force Base, California, 
graduating in December 1972. He immediately deployed to Vietnam as a 
squadron weapons systems officer at Udom Royal Thai Air Force Base, 
Thailand. In November 1973, he was assigned as a squadron weapons 
systems officer at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. While assigned 
at Holloman, he met his future wife, Shari, who was also serving at 
Holloman as a Nurse.
  Major General Sayler joined the Idaho Air National Guard in 1977 
where he has served in numerous positions of increasing responsibility 
and command until he was designated the Fighter Wing Commander. Upon 
promotion to Brigadier General in 2004, he was assigned as the 
Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Idaho Air National 
Guard. In January 2010, Governor Otter appointed him to serve as the 
Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Idaho National Guard.
  Major General Sayler's service to Idaho as the Adjutant General has 
been extraordinary. The forceful guidance, as well as-outstanding and 
dedicated efforts of General Sayler are significantly displayed by the 
strategic direction of all National Guard forces and emergency managers 
in the State of Idaho. He led the organization through weapons platform 
changes, unit conversions, and disaster assistance, always posturing 
the Idaho Military Division for continued viable, relevant future 
missions that fit both our nation and Idaho's needs.
  Under his leadership, the Idaho National Guard has provided 
outstanding support during recent state activations in support of 
wildland firefighting and statewide flood operations. He provided the 
same remarkable support when the Idaho troops deployed in support of 
Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and Combined Joint Task Force--
Horn of Africa. Additionally, his leadership during the 116th National 
Training Center (NTC) rotation facilitated superior operational 
results. He was the driving force behind formulating and implementing 
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe and STARBASE programs for the State of 
Idaho. He worked tirelessly

[[Page 15478]]

promoting programs for Idaho youth providing alternative paths to 
success. Furthermore, the overall readiness of the 124th Fighter Wing 
gave credence to the outstanding mission results and professionalism 
they showed in their recent Southwest Asia deployment.
  General Sayler has placed command emphasis on preparing and taking 
care of deployed Idaho Guard members. His unparalleled support of 
Family Support, Yellow Ribbon, and Employer Support of the Guard and 
Reserve programs has greatly benefitted the individuals who have 
recently returned from deployment and the families who welcomed them 
home.
  General Sayler authored the first joint consultation agreement with 
the sovereign tribes of Idaho, recognized at the national level by both 
the Army and Air National Guard as the baseline for Government-to-
Government Tribal Consultation.
  General Sayler is an outstanding and highly respected officer 
recognized nationally for his many contributions to mission 
accomplishment during 45 years of dedicated service to our nation, the 
United States Air Force, and the great State of Idaho.
  It is a great honor to congratulate General Sayler on his remarkable 
career of achievement that will leave a lasting legacy to the State of 
Idaho. General Sayler represents the best of the many talented people 
in the Idaho National Guard whose knowledge and skill have been 
essential to keeping our nation and the State of Idaho strong and 
secure. I thank General Sayler for his service to our nation, and 
congratulate him on his many accomplishments and retirement.

                          ____________________