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[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  HONORING COLONEL SAMUEL ``BO'' MAHANEY UPON ASSUMING COMMAND OF THE 
                   452D AIR MOBILITY WING, MARCH ARB

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer 
congratulations and good wishes to one of the members of our armed 
forces, Colonel Samuel ``Bo'' Mahaney, who put in exemplary service as 
a Military Fellow in my office and who will soon assume command of the 
452d Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base, California.
  It is true, Mr. Speaker, that we in this body are proud of every 
brave member of our military. Their service to our nation deserves 
recognition every day, and their sacrifice deserves our gratitude and 
honor no matter where they are posted or what their rank or station.
  But as a former Fellow, Col. Mahaney became a highly valued member of 
my staff, and he and his wife Chris became a part of the extended 
``Lewis family.'' It is especially delightful to be able to 
congratulate Bo on his Assumption of Command of the Air Mobility Wing 
at March, which is near my Redlands home and congressional district in 
the Inland Empire of California.
  Mr. Speaker, many of my colleagues will agree that the Military 
Fellows program is an outstanding example of a collaborative venture 
that helps Congress better understand the Pentagon, and helps the 
military become familiar with the ways of the legislative branch. After 
an intense selection process, 100 young men and women are assigned by 
the services to join a congressional office or committee for a year of 
service. These are some of the Pentagon's brightest young officers, and 
the expertise they provide Congress is invaluable.
  While I served as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee 
and later as Committee Chairman, I was honored to have the aid of six 
Military Fellows: Army Colonel Craig DeDecker, Marine Corps Colonel 
Michael Reilly, Marine Corps Colonel Carl Kime; Army Colonel Chris 
Gibson; Air Force Colonel Bo Mahaney, and Air Force Colonel Anthony 
``Awgie'' Genatempo. All have gone on to distinguished commands and 
careers--and one of them, Chris Gibson, is now one of our colleagues 
from New York!
  Colonel Mahaney was commissioned in July 1985 as a graduate of the 
Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He was a B-52 
electronic warfare officer and commanded a KC-10 aircraft, amassing 
over 5,000 flying hours over the years. His academic training includes 
a Masters Degree in Public Administration and a law degree, as well as 
time as a Harvard National Security Fellow and a Georgetown Legislative 
Fellow. He is a licensed attorney and an adjunct professor at 
Georgetown University School of Law. He has received the Meritorious 
Service Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, and many other medals for 
outstanding service and accomplishments.
  Colonel Mahaney assumed command just last year of the 459th Air 
Refueling Wing at Joint Base Andrews outside of Washington, D.C. In 
that short time, he has led the wing to top marks for operational 
readiness and received high praise from commanding officers.
  He is now moving to take over command of the 452d Air Mobility Wing, 
which includes a C-17 ``Globemaster III'' flying squadron and two KC-
135R ``Stratotanker'' flying squadrons as well as numerous support 
squadrons. March Air Reserve Base provides air refueling to Air Force, 
Navy and NATO aircraft as well as rapid delivery of troops and all 
types of cargo in times of war and national emergency to anywhere in 
the world. The base creates a total economic impact of $522 million in 
the local area. More than 8,500 people work there.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud and honored to have been able to 
contribute to the distinguished career of Colonel Bo Mahaney, and I am 
delighted that he and Chris will soon be neighbors in the Inland 
Empire. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on 
his new command, and expressing our gratitude to all of the exceptional 
men and women of the armed forces who have served us so ably in the 
Military Fellows program.

                          ____________________
```