The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL KENYON K. BELL
______
HON. RONNY JACKSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Mr. JACKSON. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to honor a superb leader, General Kenyon Bell. During my short time as a Member of Congress, I have received a warm welcome from many people, but none warmer than from the great men and women of Sheppard Air Force Base. This summer, General Bell will relinquish command of the 82nd Training Wing and Installation Command of Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. While we are sad to see him go, we are excited for his future.
General Bell was given a great opportunity to lead in challenging times and did so with the highest degree of professionalism, dignity, and skill. As the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of our normal day-
to-day lives across the nation, General Bell found himself in command of a mission that could not stop, or even slow down, without disastrous and long-term consequences for military readiness. With more than 5,000 students living in close quarters on the base, he acted decisively to implement policies and guidelines to ensure the safe continuation of both the technical and flying training missions at Sheppard. As a result, operational units around the world continued receiving the trained, mission-ready Airmen required to maintain global combat capability.
While we faced civil unrest as a country over the last year, General Bell led by example and worked to build bridges of understanding and unity that transcend politics and will ultimately strengthen the United States military. His ability to speak boldly, frankly, and calmly on the highly charged subject of race is an example we all must follow. He also had a willingness and ability to listen respectfully and honestly to differing perspectives. While I faced the steep learning curve involved with being a Member of Congress, General Bell ensured that I stayed up to date with the situation on the ground at Sheppard, truly working as a partner. I could not have asked for a better partner to work with as I began my tenure as a Congressman.
General Bell's list of successes is longer than many I have seen from a General Officer. While navigating a variety of unique challenges throughout his tenure, he found a way to accomplish countless traditional command matters. The successful completion of the Sheppard Main Gate renovation project, in all its complexity, marks the realization of more than a decade of effort. More importantly, it represents markedly improved security and force protection for the missions and people of Sheppard Air Force Base. I was honored to be there with General Bell in person for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony in April.
Finally, a sure testament to the quality of General Bell's leadership is the fact that through all the challenges of 2020 and 2021, the 82nd Training Wing was rated as Highly Effective by the Air Education and Training Command Inspector General following the 2021 Unit Effectiveness Inspection.
On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my congratulations to General Bell on completing his command tour at Sheppard Air Force Base. I thank the General for his exceptional leadership and service. I congratulate his wife, Lori, and his kids Amira, Kenyon, and Roman. I look forward to seeing General Bell continue to excel in his career, and I look forward to our future years of friendship. We are a better and stronger nation for his service.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 83
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