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[Page S3099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
______
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT DEL G. ATKINSON
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the
career of U.S. Air National Guard CMSgt. Del G. Atkinson, who is
retiring after almost 40 years of faithful service to our country.
Chief Atkinson entered Federal Active-Duty service in the U.S. Army
in August 1982. He was stationed in Nuremburg, West Germany, with the
595th Military Police Company, First Armored Division ``Old Ironsides''
and the 101st Airborne Division ``Screaming Eagles'' with the 101st
Military Police Company Fort Campbell, KY.
Upon completion of his Army service, he entered into the Air National
Guard. During his lengthy career in the Guard, Chief Atkinson served a
number of combat deployments, including Operations Southern Watch,
Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Coronet Oak.
Chief Atkinson used his experience in the Army to launch a career in
law enforcement, working as a member of the University of Arkansas
Police Department and the Springdale, AR, Police Department.
Over the course of almost 36 years, his military service took him
around the globe, and yet, whether it was in Arkansas, our Nation's
Capital, or overseas, he and I always seemed to be crossing paths.
A number of those occasions were more than just fortunate
circumstances, as for a time, he was part of a team responsible for
providing protection for aircraft transitioning between overseas
airfields with inadequate security.
He often found himself assigned to Senate, congressional, and White
House missions. I was privileged to have been onboard for some of those
flights. My colleagues and I relied on Del and his teammates, for our
protection as we traveled to some dangerous parts of the world.
On those trips, I remember looking back on his time in local law
enforcement and thinking to myself how special it was that northwest
Arkansas had extra representation onboard. Del and his colleagues took
great care of us, each and every time, and for that, I will always be
appreciative.
Chief Atkinson was promoted eight times during the course of his
military career. He earned a number of prestigious awards and medals
including a Meritorious Service Medal with three oakleaf clusters and
the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
His pride in our Nation and his fellow servicemembers is apparent,
including with his service as a member of the Liberty Jump Team, where
he performed commemorative parachute jumps honoring veterans of wars
and foreign conflicts. He joined the team because he ``wanted to give
back to the Greatest Generation'' and honor how they ``overcame all
obstacles and persevered to win the victory on all fronts.''
I remain grateful for Del's combat service to the Nation, dedication
to keeping the UA campus and the community of Springdale safe during
his law enforcement days, and commitment to keep alive the memory of
those who sacrificed for our Nation. I wish him years of joy and
happiness in retirement.
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