The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE 2022 TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE RICHARD A.
BLEVINS
______
HON. DIANA HARSHBARGER
of tennessee
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Northeast State Community College's Richard A. Blevins, Director of the Northeast State Community College Aviation Technology Program with 43 years of service in aviation, who will be inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.
Ret. USAF Chief Master Sergeant Richard A. Blevins, a native of Kingsport, entered the Air Force in March 1979 as a Systems Analyst on Nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and Space Lift Launch Systems. Chief Blevins held numerous positions during his 27-plus-year career culminating as the 30th Launch Group Superintendent, Vandenberg AFB, CA. He led three diverse launch squadrons of 181 USAF and 121 contractor personnel there.
Richard provided oversight and mission assurance on Delta IV/Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) programs, Titan IV/Delta II space launch systems, Ground-Based Mid-Course Defense (GMD) system build, integration, and deployment. He was responsible for implementing
$660 million test launches, $65 million modernization, and $2 billion space lift certification programs. In addition, he directed maintenance activities on five launch complexes and ten missile processing facilities valued at over $500 million.
During his career, he was selected to attend the ICBM Technical Engineering School, one of the youngest ranking sergeants ever chosen for the position. His leadership was demonstrated when he was awarded as the top Strategic Air Command Non-Commissioned Officer Academy graduate. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Richard was hired as the Training Manager for Bell Helicopter. His responsibility encompasses the training and qualification of over 500 personnel to meet Federal Aviation Regulations and ISO AS9100 requirements.
Richard is a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and holds a Masters Degree in Aeronautics. Richard is also a certified FAA Private Pilot, FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and FAA Airframe Certified Mechanic.
Each day, Richard helps ensure Northeast State's students are trained at the highest levels of reliability for employment in the aviation maintenance industry. The success of this program will benefit our region for many years to come.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Richard A. Blevins on his 43 years of service to the aviation industry and being inducted into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(2)
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