Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passing of Lieutenant General Donald E. “Gene” Kirkland.
“It is with great sadness in which I learned of the passing of my good friend and great American, General Gene Kirkland. The General and I became very good friends over the course of several tours at Tinker Air Force Base when I would visit, and especially after 2018 when he assumed the role of Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center. His leadership of the largest, most capable sustainment enterprise in the world earned him much-deserved respect and praise.
“Once he retired from service, he helped stand up and lead the new Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute at the University of Oklahoma as its Executive Director. He came to this role armed with a wealth of experience, knowledge, relationships and energy and has helped leave a founder’s mark as his legacy at this important institute.
“America has lost a great patriot, Oklahoma has lost a wonderful leader and I have lost a dear friend. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Judy, family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this tremendous loss.”
