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Adopt and present a resolution honoring Lieutenant General John F. Gonge for his distinguished service to the United States of America during his decades-long military career, including service during World War II, and recognize November 5, 2018 as Lt. Gen. John F. Gonge Day in Solano County in honor of his birthday (Chair Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Chair Vasquez requests that the Board adopt and present a resolution honoring Lieutenant General John F. Gonge for his distinguished service to the United States of America during his decades-long military career, including service during World War II, and recognize November 5, 2018 as Lt. Gen. John F. Gonge Day in Solano County in honor of his birthday.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
World War II (WWII) was the most widespread war in history with more than 100 million people serving in military units. About 16 million Americans served during WWII, according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Of those, less than 500,000 WWII veterans are still living as of 2018, according to statistics provided to the National WWII Museum by the VA and more than 300 World War II veterans die each day.
Born in Ansley, Nebraska on November 5, 1921, John F. Gonge embarked on a 34 year military career when he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps Flying School upon his graduation from high school in 1938. He received his pilot wings in 1943 and during World War II, flew “The Hump,” in the China-Burma-India campaigns with the Army Air Corps Air Transport Command.
A career transport pilot, Gen. Gonge would go on to command various squadrons and wings at air bases across the United States and the Pacific.
In 1960, Gen. Gonge arrived at Travis Air Force Base where he served first as chief, Program Division, and later as assistant deputy chief of staff for plans and manpower. After a stint at the National War College in Washington, D.C., and an assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Gonge returned to Travis Air Force Base as vice commander of the 60th Military Airlift Wing. He would go on to assume additional command roles throughout his illustrious career in the United States Air Force, which included 13,000 flying hours and military decorations and awards to include the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and others. He was promoted to the grade of lieutenant general on Sept. 1, 1975 and retired from the United States Air Force in 1977.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the District 4 FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution, however, that is not recommended because this is an opportunity to honor the distinguished service of Solano County resident and World War II veteran, Lt. Gen. John F. Gonge.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION