Recognizing Colonel Lee R. Bouma

Floor Speech

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Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Lee R. Bouma, United States Air Force, for his exceptional dedication and selfless service to the United States of America. Colonel Bouma retired on November 6, 2024, from his current assignment as Commander of the 173d Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. We thank him for his commitment to our country over the past 27 years.

Colonel Bouma graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1997. His service includes Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, and Balad Air Base in Iraq. In 2015, Colonel Bouma was stationed at Kingsley Field. After serving in several positions at Kingsley Field, he earned the Command of the 173rd Fighter Wing in 2022.

Kingsley Field serves as a critical asset for American national security as it serves as an outstanding training center for the Air National Guard and active-duty pilots. In his time as Commander, Kingsley Field was selected as the next F-35A Lightning II training squadron. Colonel Bouma has ensured that Kingsley Field will continue to be an integral piece of the Air Force's modernization plans, continuing their legacy of training the next generation of fighter pilots. As commander, Colonel Bouma commanded the sole F-15C Formal Training Unit in the United States Air Force, led over 1,050 personnel, and was responsible for overseeing a total inventory of 23 F-15 aircraft and managing 26 primary assigned aircraft. Colonel Bouma has flown over 2,200 hours in multiple aircraft, including the F-16 and F- 15, and has achieved the rating of Senior Pilot. Colonel Bouma's impressive operational experience includes flying 22 combat sorties in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, amassing over 75 hours of combat flight time. His contributions to international operations include serving as an F-15C Instructor Pilot in the Netherlands and supporting contingencies in South Korea. Colonel Bouma has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal. Colonel Bouma embodies the Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence In All We Do as Commander, leader, and Airman.

As our nation continues to face challenges around the world, no matter the trials and uncertainty that might come our way, we have confidence in the leadership of those who have served our country, and we owe a debt of gratitude to Colonel Bouma. His dedication to training the next generation of pilots and ensuring the readiness of our forces reflects the highest ideals of military service.

Colonel Bouma has dedicated his life to serving this nation, and we thank him. We thank him for his proud service, vision, leadership, and gratitude demonstrated both at home and abroad. As we reach the culmination of his distinguished career, I join my colleagues today and congratulate Colonel Bouma for a lifetime of service to his country. We wish him, and his wife Laureen, and his children Ashley, Kamron, and Brant the best wishes as he retires from the United States Air Force.

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