On the recordJune 18, 2014
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentlewoman for giving me 1 minute to speak on this. I was an Air Force pilot for 14 years. I flew for 7 years as a combat rescue helicopter pilot. We flew and exercised with the A-10s all the time. I also flew for 7 years the B-1. We were tasked with this mission of close air support. I am not here because I have A-10s in my district. I am here because I realize what an invaluable resource this is. Close air support is an incredibly delicate and unforgiving mission. If you hit the wrong bridge, people will forgive you. If you frag your own troops, you will never forgive yourself. It is best done by an aircraft that is low and slow, that has superb communications and superb visibility. There is nothing that is as good as the A-10 is in this mission. I know that from my own experience. That is why I rise and stand in support of this very important amendment.
