[Congressional Record: April 28, 2010 (Senate)]
[Page S2757]
REMEMBERING CHRISTOPHER C. BOLKCOM
Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I wish to speak in order to honor
the life and achievements of Christopher C. Bolkcom, Congressional
Research Service Specialist, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of his passing away, on May 1, 2009.
Christopher Bolkcom served Congress with distinction for 9 years at
the Library of Congress as a specialist in military aviation for the
Congressional Research Service. He held a bachelor's degree in
international relations from the University of Minnesota, a master's
degree in international affairs from American University in Washington,
DC, and a master's degree in national security strategy from the
National War College in Washington, DC.
Christopher was born on June 13, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN, raised
there and then spent his adult life and career in the National Capitol
Region until his untimely death on May 1, 2009.
Christopher was recognized throughout Congress, the military
Services, the defense community, and the aeronautical industry as an
expert on the management, operational use and procurement of military
aircraft. In that capacity, he assisted Congress in its legislative and
oversight activities, including testifying before the Senate Armed
Services Committee; the House Armed Services Committee; the Senate
Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and the Senate
Governmental Affairs Committee. Christopher published many influential
CRS reports on such subjects as Air Force aerial refueling; the role of
airpower in counterinsurgency operations; tactical aviation and bomber
force modernization; military aviation safety; suppression of enemy air
defenses; and protecting commercial aircraft from shoulder-fired
missiles. He provided objective, expert analysis on a number of issues,
including the Joint Strike Fighter and the KC-X Tanker, to Congress,
the Senate Armed Services Committee, and to me and my staff
personally--analysis for which I am very grateful.
Christopher displayed generous enthusiasm for meeting the
professional needs of colleagues and clients, enlivened by persistent
humor and wit in his interpersonal relations. He worked hard at his
public duties. He also played hard with friends, whether skiing or
kick-boxing, and found time to serve others, at for example the Falls
Church Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, VA.
On this occasion--the first anniversary of Christopher's passing
away--I want to honor the life and achievements of Congressional
Research Service Specialist Christopher Bolkcom, who is survived by his
loving family, including his children Jessica and Maxwell Bolkcom;
their mother Mary Anne Alexander; his parents Gene and Ann Bolkcom; his
sister Elizabeth Matteson; his brother Bill Bolkcom; and his nephew
Tristin Matteson.
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