Thomas Daschle: “our Nation's Air Force will soon lose one of its exceptional leaders, MG Leroy Barnidge, Jr., who is retiring in the…”

“our Nation's Air Force will soon lose one of its exceptional leaders, MG Leroy Barnidge, Jr., who is retiring in the next few weeks after 32 years of outstanding service to this country. Many in Congress have become acquainted with General Barnidge due to his service since 2001 as director of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison. I have had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Leroy much longer, due to his two tours of duty at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the last as base commander from August 1995 to February 1997. There is no finer gentleman, nor one with a better sense of humor or more likable personality than Leroy Barnidge. As commander of the largest military installation in South Dakota, Leroy impressed me with his candor, his integrity, and his competence. Knowing and working with him has always been a joy, and Leroy will be missed not only in the Air Force but also by many of us in the Congress.”