August 3, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 137 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S4663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO THOMAS L. BOWLIN

 Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Thomas L. Bowlin, Colonel, USAF, Ret., who in addition to a 
distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, has served as the first 
Director of Government Affairs for the North Carolina National Guard. I 
thank him for his many years of service to the great State of North 
Carolina and our great Nation.
  Colonel Bowlin began his military career with the U.S. Air Force in 
1975. He has served across the United States, as well as in Germany, 
Hawaii, Pakistan, and Alaska. He was the first USAF officer to attend 
Pakistan's War College and served in a number of key assignments with 
increasing levels of responsibility.
  Following his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 2001, Colonel 
Bowlin continued his dedication to service by beginning a second career 
and becoming the first Director of Government Affairs for the North 
Carolina National Guard. He served as an essential component of North 
Carolina National Guard leadership for nearly two decades where he has 
advised the adjutant general directly and interfaced with local, State, 
and Federal officials.
  Colonel Bowlin has served roughly 11,500 citizen soldiers and airmen 
in the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard through many 
deployments overseas and harrowing natural disasters at home. Tom's 
contribution to advancing the overall readiness and operational 
capabilities of the North Carolina National Guard has been vital in 
maintaining an effective and resilient reserve force. Through 
operations including Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom, and Freedom's 
Sentinel, as well as during Hurricanes Irene, Matthew, Florence, and 
Dorian, Colonel Bowlin has ensured that the men and women of the Guard 
had the utmost preparation of every mission that they embarked upon.
  Colonel Bowlin has worked tirelessly on a number of both Federal, 
State, and local priorities and policy reforms for the North Carolina 
National Guard. Just to name a few, these range from appropriations for 
facilities, programs, and assets, family readiness, GI Bill 
transferability, TRICARE expansion, tuition assistance, occupational 
licensing, rental agreement protections, and many more, which will 
continue to benefit National Guard servicemembers and their families 
for years to come.
  As a U.S. Senator, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, 
and a North Carolinian, I am pleased to congratulate Colonel Bowlin on 
his retirement from the North Carolina National Guard and for his 
impressive career of military service and steadfast commitment to our 
country.

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