Mark Alford: “Today, I rise to honor our January Veteran of the Month, Michael ``Mike'' Tracy. Mike entered the Air Force Delayed…”

“Today, I rise to honor our January Veteran of the Month, Michael ``Mike'' Tracy. Mike entered the Air Force Delayed Entry program in 1975 where he reported to basic training, Air Force leadership school, and Air Force Security Police School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After graduation, he was placed on orders to the 20th Security Police Squadron RAF Upper Heyford, England, home to the F-111E, NATO, and USAFE nuclear deterrent to the former Soviet Union. When he returned to the U.S., he maintained his service after being discharged in the inactive reserve. In 1982, Mike rejoined the military as a private in the USAR in Spokane, Washington. He attended drill sergeant school and U.S. Armor School. He served as a preventive medicine specialist in Germany and participated in Operation Desert Storm. Throughout injuries, surgeries, and reassignments, Mike served his country in many different roles. His final assignment brought him to Missouri at Whiteman Air Force Base in our district. Madam Speaker, I thank Mike for his dedication and service. We appreciate him, and we are so glad that his journey brought him to the great State of Missouri. We salute him today. Honoring Janine's Flowers, Small Business of the Month”