[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING STAFF SERGEANT BRANDON PEARCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 26, 2002

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant 
Brandon R. Pearce on the occasion of him being named the United States 
Air Force's Airman of the Year. Mr. Pearce is an Aircraft Hydraulic 
Systems Journeyman assigned to the 146th Maintenance Squadron, 146th 
Logistics Group, 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard 
Station, California. In order to achieve this high honor, Mr. Pearce 
competed against more than 6,000 airmen in California with the national 
competition including members from throughout the United States and 
territories.
  Staff Sergeant Pearce graduated from Mariposa High School in 1988 and 
enlisted in the Air Force. While on active duty, Staff Sergeant Pearce 
received several Crew Chief of the Month awards and was assigned to his 
own C-141 aircraft. He participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama, 
the Persian Gulf war as well as many other operational missions. Staff 
Sergeant Pearce has also received other military awards, such as the 
Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon and the Air Force Training 
Ribbon. Upon completion of his 4-year enlistment, he became a full time 
student which earned him an Associate of Arts degree in History in 
1993, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995. In addition to his two 
degrees, he also obtained a Teaching Credential and devoted 3 years 
helping to educate and mentor the youth of Ventura and Mariposa 
Counties.
  After completing his education, in 1998, Staff Sergeant Pearce 
rejoined the Air Force in the California Air National Guard as an 
Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Technician with the 146th Airlift Wing. Some 
of his responsibilities include maintenance of all hydraulic components 
of the wing's 12 C-130Es, including flight controls, brakes, and 
landing gear. In addition to his busy schedule at the California Air 
National Guard, he and his wife, Jackie, still find time to take active 
roles in their church's community outreach program assisting families 
in need and the homeless.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Staff Sergeant Brandon Pearce on his 
achievement of being named the United States Air Force's Airman of the 
Year. Not only is he a fine example in the service to his country, but 
also to his community. His success reflects credit upon himself, the 
Air Force and our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Staff Sergeant Brandon Pearce being named Airman of the Year and wish 
him many more years of continued success.

                          ____________________