[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8615-8616]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION ATTAINING 187,000 
                       ACCIDENT FREE FLYING HOURS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS COLLINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 30, 2017

  Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Niagara 
Falls Air Reserve Station for their accomplishment of attaining a total 
of 187,000 accident free flying hours. Since I have been in Congress, 
Congressman Brian Higgins and I have worked together to ensure this 
base is protected for future generations.
  The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station sits near the North East 
international border, near one of the largest populated areas in 
Canada. In 1970, the base made the transition from the C-119 to C-130 
aircraft; a large tactical aircraft primarily used for troop 
transportation and supply drops, the C-130 can withstand rough terrain 
and has been a major tactical component for the Niagara Falls Air 
Reserve Station.
  Not only does the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station provide national 
security and give those in Western New York a chance to serve their 
county, it also provides a significant economic boost to Western New 
York. The base employs over 2,600 people and has an economic footprint 
of more than $200 million in the Western New York Community. It has 
been an honor, alongside Congressman Higgins, to fight to protect this 
base, and keep its location in Niagara Falls.
  These brave men and women were called to active duty to participate 
in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring 
Freedom. Their professional ism, teamwork and pride for their country 
enabled them to achieve 187,000 accident free flying hours since 1961. 
These men and women are not just exemplary servicemen and women. They 
are your neighbors, your scoutmasters, your children's coaches, your 
friends. You notice when they are gone, because they bring their 
leadership and teamwork skills to everything they do.
  The 914th Airlift Wing Vision statement is, ``Attain the highest 
state of readiness in support of the nation and our community through 
the development of our Airmen to deliver exceptional performance.'' 
From the flight crew, to the maintenance crew, everyone must be fully 
prepared for whatever comes their way. In order for this to happen, 
they train efficiently, and regard safety as their top priority. I, 
along with Congressman Higgins, applaud their accomplishment, and thank 
them for their relentless commitment and service to our country.

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