Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Pages S4904-S4905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MARK BERRY
Mr. BOOZMAN. President, today I wish to pay tribute to MG Mark
Berry for his exemplary dedication to duty and service as the adjutant
general for the Arkansas National Guard. General Berry is retiring from
his position on August 10, 2019.
A Texas native, General Berry enlisted in the Air Force in August
1974. He also furthered his education while serving, receiving a
bachelor of aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and
earning a masters of public administration from Golden Gate University.
Major General Berry has served the United States in a broad capacity
during his 45-year career with the Armed Forces. Upon completion of
basic training, he began technical training as an air traffic
controller. In 1985, he attended officer training school with follow-on
training as an air traffic control officer. General Berry separated
from his Active-Duty role in September 1992 to join the Arkansas Air
National Guard as a public affairs officer.
During his time in the National Guard, he served as a communication
flight commander, mission support group commander, and maintenance
group commander. In the State of Arkansas, Berry served as the vice-
chairman of the Air National Guard A-10 Aircraft Maintenance Council
until receiving the honor of becoming the president of the National
Guard Association of Arkansas. In 2015, General Berry was given his
most distinguished assignment when he was appointed adjutant general
for the Arkansas National Guard.
Throughout his time in Arkansas, I have worked closely with General
Berry to ensure our National Guard not only meets but exceeds the
standards needed to protect our State and country. During times of
crisis or disaster in the State, General Berry made certain the
National Guard was prepared and able to respond quickly and
effectively. He has represented himself, the Arkansas Guard, and our
Armed Forces with consistent professionalism, diligence, and
commitment. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for the job he has
done as the leader of our State's National Guard.
[[Page S4905]]
Major General Berry has received numerous awards and recognitions for
his service to the United States during his career, including the
Legion of Merit for exceptional conduct in the performance of his
services to our Nation, and has had a positive impact on the lives of
many servicemembers, peers, and superiors. His accomplishments reflect
highly not only on himself, but also on the men and women of our
Nation's military. As his time in uniform comes to an end, we honor his
dedication to our country and his invaluable service to the U.S. Air
Force and Arkansas National Guard.
It was a genuine pleasure to have worked with MG Mark Berry
throughout his years serving his country and our State. I commend
General Berry for his exceptional service and decorated career and
greatly appreciate his friendship of many years. We wish him all the
best as he begins his retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces.
____________________