June 24, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 106 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S4454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         REMEMBERING BRIGADIER GENERAL ERNEST RANDOLPH WEBSTER

 Mrs. HYDE-SMTIH. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute 
to Brig. Gen. Ernest Randolph ``Randy'' Webster, U.S. Air Force, 
retired, who passed away on June 2, 2019. A native of Midnight, MS, he 
served our country with distinction both stateside and abroad.
  General Webster, who was an Army ROTC student at Arkansas State 
University, joined the U.S. Marine Corps and became a helicopter pilot 
and intelligence officer while serving in the Vietnam War. Following 
his service in Vietnam, General Webster transferred to the Air Force 
Reserve, where he served in a variety of assignments, eventually rising 
to the rank of brigadier general.
  General Webster's final assignment was as commander of the 403rd Wing 
at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. Also known as the Hurricane 
Hunters, the airmen 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, a component 
of the 403rd Wing, have the critical mission of flying into dangerous 
conditions to identify and assess storms developing in the Gulf of 
Mexico. The information they provide is crucial to allowing States and 
communities in the Gulf Coast region to prepare for severe storms.
  Under General Webster's leadership, the Hurricane Hunter aviators, 
along with support personnel, successfully fulfilled this vital mission 
of protecting Gulf Coast communities from weather-related disasters and 
further solidified their role as a key national asset.
  General Webster stayed true to form following his retirement in 2000 
with 33 years of military service, dedicating himself to his family and 
volunteering his time to youth groups and his church.
  Our gratitude and condolences go out to his wife Martha Webster and 
the entire Webster family during this difficult time.

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