The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO ANNE WHITEMAN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2374-E2375 on Sept. 25, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO ANNE WHITEMAN
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HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 25, 2009
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave American; Anne Whiteman. Anne was born September 5, 1956 to parents who met and married in Tubingen, Germany. Her father was born and raised in Germany and fought as a soldier in the German Army during WWII and was later held captive by the American Forces. During Anne's childhood, he recounted many fascinating stories that led to his love for America and his becoming a U.S. citizen.
Though Anne was born in Virginia she completed high school in Germany and worked at the American Consulate in Frankfurt. After college and various jobs she applied with the FAA in 1981 and was the first woman certified Air Traffic Controller to work at El Paso. In those days, pilots were not used to speaking with a female controller but she quickly earned their respect. She was selected for a position at DFW in 1984 where she started in the Tower but later moved downstairs to work in the Terminal Radar Approach Control, TRACON, radar room. Anne believes that her move to the TRACON gave her the best gift as it was there that she met her husband. No one thought they could survive working together every day but not only did they survive but they thrived. Anne was certified on all positions in February of 1986 and became the first female controller to certify at DFW TRACON.
Anne has worked many aircraft in distress and has assisted pilots as she grew in her knowledge of aircraft and skills. As a result, she was encouraged to bid on a supervisor's position and after much encouragement bid on a temporary supervisor detail and was selected for the 120 days in August 1985 and became hers permanently and the rest is history.
While Anne Whiteman received numerous awards throughout her career and became recognized as a valued FAA team member, this all changed when the safety concerns she reported were compromised and covered up which led to her blowing the whistle. As a result, she was ostracized at the job she loved. During Anne's career, she has supervised or trained at least 30 air traffic controllers at the DFW Tower or in TRACON and was recognized by the Department of Transportation Inspector General who found her egregious reports were well-documented. Twice during a three-year period, these reports were submitted to the President. This reporting activity also led to her being awarded the Office of Special Counsel's 2005 Public Service Award and later sharing the Public Servant of the Year in 2008 for her contribution to air safety. She was also nominated for the 2006 Service to America medal while the reprisals continued along with her safety concerns. After some 30 years of service with the FAA, Anne Whiteman is no ordinary hero for she put her job and well-being on the line for what she believed was needed in order to protect the flying public.
As a Member of Congress it has been my honor to serve this valiant American who not only helped pave the way for women controllers but also serves as a courageous example in the protection of air travel and she did not flinch at such a great personal loss. This record serves to honor this service as she retires from the job she loves on September 3, 2009.
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