[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 20052-20053] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RETIREMENT TRIBUTE TO COLONEL FRANCIS M. MUNGAVIN ______ HON. KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND of new york in the house of representatives Monday, September 22, 2008 Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force, I want to recognize Colonel Francis M. ``Mike'' Mungavin for his 40-plus years of dedicated service to our country. In his most recent assignment, he serves as the Commander, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service and Director of Recruiting, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. In this role, he exercises command and oversight to over 450 military and civilian personnel worldwide at over 45 main operating locations and serves as the principal advisor to the AFRC commander on all matters relating to recruiting. Colonel Mungavin enlisted in the Air Force in November 1968, and served 10 years prior to receiving his commission through the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program. Prior to entering Recruiting Services, Colonel Mungavin served as member of the security forces for 32 years on active duty, as a civilian and within the Air Force Reserve Command as a Traditional Reservist and Air Reserve Technician. During this time, he conceived, developed, implemented and commanded the Air Force Reserve Patriot Warrior Program providing our security force troops with required ground combat skills training. Since taking command of Air Force Reserve Recruiting, Colonel Mungavin has developed and executed numerous initiatives resulting in the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) exceeding its annual recruiting goal for eight consecutive years. As the second largest Air Force Major Command, AFRC has been manned at greater than ninety-nine percent for the past seven consecutive years reversing a decade-long trend of failing to meet congressionally mandated end strength levels. He is directly responsible for accessing more than 72,037 airmen helping to transform the Air Force Reserve recruiter into the most productive within DoD. Mike could not have been such a tremendous leader without the love and unfailing support of his lovely wife of 37 years, Arlene, and their two sons--Nick and Ryan. Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in expressing our sincere appreciation to Colonel Francis ``Mike'' Mungavin for his outstanding service to both the United States Air Force and our great nation. We wish him the best as [[Page 20053]] he transitions into retirement. Colonel Mungavin is a true professional and a credit to himself and the United States Air Force Reserve. ____________________