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[Page S4539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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TRIBUTE TO JAMES ``RUSTY'' MITCHELL
Ms. McSALLY. Madam President, in the words of entrepreneur
Henry Ford, ``coming together is a beginning, staying together is
progress, and working together is success.'' As you and I know all too
well, the role of a mediator presents unique challenges. From
negotiating contracts to facilitating dialogue among parties, very few
have the skillset and dedication to produce favorable results.
Today, I am here to honor a man who exemplifies the qualities of a
true leader and innovator: James ``Rusty'' Mitchell, the director of
the Community Initiatives Team at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Mr.
Mitchell will be retiring this month after over 39 years of government
service to our country.
Upon completion of his undergraduate degree at the University of
Southern California as an ROTC cadet, Mr. Mitchell was commissioned in
1976 to attend pilot training at the old Williams Air Force Base, which
has a near and dear place to my heart, as I also attended it.
The culmination of an impressive 22-year USAF career as the commander
of the 21st Squadron, 56th Fighter Wing at Luke, he retired in 1998 as
a lieutenant colonel with multiple honors, including the Defense
Meritorious Service Medal; the USAF Meritorious Service Medal, with
three oakleaf clusters; and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
After 3 years as a pilot with United Airlines, Mr. Mitchell returned
to Luke to take the lead as the director of the newly created Community
Initiatives Team, CIT. Working with all 14 jurisdictions around the air
base, as well as the State of Arizona, Mr. Mitchell and his team took
into account the interests of various stakeholders in the State, the
Federal Government, and the local community. The results were beyond
favorable. His team's efforts transformed the entire community.
CIT's first-class work on the Strategic Basing process led to the
USAF selecting Luke to serve as the F-35A training site, which brought
144 F-35s and significant investments to the base. Through initiatives
such as the FAA's approval of a Special Air Traffic Rule, which
enhanced safety and reduced flying hour costs, Mr. Mitchell and his
team have truly shown how essential their role has been. There is no
question that this work strengthened the Maricopa Area's ties to Luke
AFB.
Under Mr. Mitchell's leadership, CIT is now one of the country's best
examples of how to bring community leaders, military families, and base
leadership together. The outcome has all three of these groups rallying
around one shared mission: to support the base's military personnel and
readiness. As a Valley resident for more than 25 years himself, Mr.
Mitchell's firsthand understanding has allowed him to personally
address key issues at the base and in his community. His frequent
appearances at city council meetings and active involvement in the
broader community truly highlight his unwavering dedication to building
bridges between Luke AFB and the public.
I would like to thank Lt. Col. (ret.) James ``Rusty'' Mitchell for
his many years of service to our Nation, Luke AFB, and the Arizonans
who call his community home. I have personally witnessed the many
tremendous changes Rusty has made for Luke Air Force Base and the
surrounding community. We will all be better off because of his
selfless and tireless efforts. He will be sorely missed, and I wish him
all the best in his retirement.
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