Recognizing the Career of Mr. George Woodward

Floor Speech

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Mr. JACKSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the retirement of Mr. George Woodward. After eighteen years of dedicated service, Mr. Woodward is stepping down from his responsibilities as the Director of Public Affairs for the 82nd Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Throughout his 30-year career as a Public Affairs Specialist, Mr. Woodward has been a tremendous source of expertise for the United States Air Force. Mr. Woodward has served in a number of critical roles and commands, including the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida and European Regional Medical Command at Sembach Air Base, Germany. Mr. Woodward subsequently returned to the United States where he took the position of Director of Public Affairs for the 82nd Training Wing, where he has faithfully served the outstanding men and women at Sheppard Air Force Base.

At Sheppard, Mr. Woodward diligently supervised eighteen employees who delivered clear and well-informed communications support on behalf of the installation and sixty other training locations around the world. As the official spokesperson for the base, Mr. Woodward advised the commanding general on the effects of policies and actions on the base's relationship with internal and external audiences and was responsible for testing and executing crisis communication plans and procedures, serving as the base liaison with state and federal legislators, and overseeing a $1.3 million audiovisual contract.

During his tenure, Mr. George Woodward led public relations efforts on critical developments at Sheppard Air Force base, such as the base's groundbreaking on a $27 million Child Development Center and the 82nd Training Wing's overhaul of the Air Force's Wartime Training Plan. Mr. Woodward also supported visits to Sheppard, including from the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Education and Training Command leadership, and foreign dignitaries. As the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Woodward also led the communications efforts for the base's 75th anniversary and Guardians of Freedom Thunderbirds Air Show.

On behalf of the entire Congress and a grateful Nation, as well as the thousands of Airmen who served at Sheppard Air Force Base throughout his eighteen-year tenure, I express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mr. George Woodward for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support for the missions of the U.S. Air Force.

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