[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23851] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO THE AIR WAR COLLEGE CLASS OF 2006 ______ HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM of florida in the house of representatives Friday, December 8, 2006 Mr. PUTNAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pride to call attention to a very special and noteworthy group--the Air War College Class of 2006. This class graduated on May 25, 2006. These men and women, not only from our own Armed Forces, but those of 46 other countries have distinguished themselves, their school, their communities, and their nations. The Air War College Class of 2006 had a remarkable year and I believe these men and women deserve formal recognition for their accomplishments. By any measure, the class of 2006 has not only blazed new trails, but established new standards of excellence. This was the first class to execute the Professional Military Education (PME) phase II curriculum, thus producing joint service qualified officers. It was the first class to have mid-year students join the class and complete the demanding academic curriculum. It was also the first class to have 46 international fellows, and the first class to send students, as part of its premiere regional studies, to the country of Turkmenistan. More importantly, it was the first class to have State Week, a full week dedicated to the interaction between DOS/DOD that will facilitate future cooperation and more efficient interaction between these future leaders. Established in 1946, this is the 60th year of the Air War College. The Air War College mission is to be ``the foremost center for air and space education and thought--preparing the world's best strategic leaders.'' Students must meet rigorous academic requirements, take responsibility for academic progress, behavior, and attendance, and they are expected to participate in school and community activities. They have not only met those rigorous demands but far exceeded them. The class of 2006 and their faculty have consistently shown not only leadership, but generosity. Together they donated 67 pints of blood, raised almost $100,000 for several charities; and members of the class generously gave their time to travel to Biloxi, MS, to aid in the recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Notably, other members opened their homes to displaced military personnel during that tragic time. I would like to extend my enthusiastic congratulations to the Air War College Class of 2006, ``Warriors, Leaders, and Statesmen'' upon their graduation. I wish them Godspeed as they move to their next assignments, some directly into harm's way, as they become tomorrow's strategic leaders in the global war on terror. ____________________