Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize and pay tribute to General Carrol H. Chandler for over 36 years of service and dedication to the United States Air Force. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and will retire from active duty on March 1, 2011. He will be sorely missed. A native of Carthage, Missouri, General Chandler graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. Following graduation, he earned his wings after attending Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base. General Chandler later earned a masters degree in management, attended the Executive Program for General Officers at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, and the Navy Senior Leader Business Course at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A command pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours in the F-15, F-16, and T-38, General Chandler has commanded a major command, a numbered air force, two fighter wings, a support group and a fighter squadron--a true testament to his exceptional Airmanship, leadership, and judgment. His staff assignments include tours at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, the Pentagon, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command, Headquarters U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia and Headquarters Allied Air Forces Southern Europe. Throughout his career, General Chandler received many well-deserved awards and decorations, and his commitment and dedication to the mission of the Air Force will be remembered for many years to come. Madam Speaker, General Chandler has distinguished himself during his career with the United States Air Force. I trust my fellow Members of the House will join me in wishing the very best to the good General; his wife Eva-Marie; and their three children, Carl, Rose-Marie, and Thomas.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House of the death of Robert E. Oliphant. Mr. Oliphant, who passed away at the age of 88, is survived by his wife Pearl; his two daughters Deborah and Patti; and his two grandchildren, Justin and Emily. The community of Odessa and the State of Missouri will sorely miss this remarkable man's leadership, generosity, and congenial disposition. Born on June 22, 1922, in Cainsville, MO, he was raised by Glenn and Cordia Oliphant in Princeton, MO. After graduating high school in 1941, he attended Chillicothe Business College for a year before heeding the call to service and entering the United States Army. He began basic training in the spring of 1944 and was shipped off to Europe where he served with the 103rd Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, he suffered injuries to his shoulder and arm and was awarded the Purple Heart. After recovering from his injuries, Mr. Oliphant began working for Clarence H. Goppert at the People's Bank in Kansas City. In 1948, Mr. Goppert acquired the Bank of Odessa and Mr. Oliphant was named executive vice president of the bank. After being promoted to president in the early 1960s, he became chairman of the board of the Bank of Odessa and remained in that position for more than 40 years. Under his leadership, the Bank of Odessa provided invaluable assistance to area churches, civic groups, and volunteer organizations. This assistance and Mr. Oliphant's personal philanthropy allowed these organizations to thrive, prosper, and serve countless individuals. Mr. Oliphant's leadership in the Odessa community goes far beyond his work at the Bank of Odessa. Selected in the first Hall of Fame class of the Odessa R-7 Public School Foundation, he was also a founding member of the Odessa Rotary Club, a longtime member of the Odessa Lions Club, and a lifetime member of the Odessa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. I have no doubt that he has touched the lives of every person in the Odessa community, and his legacy will remain for generations to come. Madam Speaker, Mr. Oliphant has served our Nation well as a dedicated family man, a military veteran, and a community servant. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in celebrating the life of an American treasure, Robert E. Oliphant.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize an American veteran, Arnold Debrick of Paola, Kansas, for his heroic service during WWII. On Sunday, December 5, 2010, Mr. Debrick will be awarded the French Legion of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in liberating France during WWII. The French Legion of Honor was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and it is the highest distinction that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for the country. Mr. Debrick served in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, and participated in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Buchenwald, a German Nazi concentration camp outside of Weimar, Germany. In the summer of 1944, at the age of 19 and meager weight of 125 pounds, Mr. Debrick enlisted in the United States Army. On New Year's Eve, 1944, he boarded the Queen Mary in New York's harbor and departed the United States. He sailed across the Atlantic to combat an evil the likes of which had never been seen in modern history. During the chaos of war and beneath a barrage of mortar fire, Mr. Debrick was separated from his original unit but was able to hop onto the back of an American chow truck, which led him to Company B of the 9th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 6th Armored Division, United States Army. After weeks of grueling battle in the dead of an unforgiving winter, an officer noticed Debrick's feet had turned completely black. He was sent to the hospital in Metz, France, and it was determined he had trench foot. Each day, then Private First Class Debrick waited anxiously in the hospital bed with his feet elevated; he feared he would share the similar fate that many of his brothers in arms had met and would face amputation. Yet, his faith was unyielding and partial circulation eventually returned to his feet. After many days, he was able to rejoin his outfit. To this day, Mr. Debrick says that his feet getting cold is a constant reminder to give thanks to God for not only saving his feet but his life as well. To all of us in this grateful nation, Mr. Debrick's cold feet should also serve as a solemn reminder of the many sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform endure and that we will forever be indebted to them for the freedoms and many blessings we have in America. Just as France will recognize Mr. Debrick's exceptional service and sacrifices this coming Sunday, it is also fitting and appropriate that we do so today as one grateful nation. Mr. Debrick's bravery is admirable and inspiring and I am honored to acknowledge his service during WWII. I trust that the Members of the House will join me in thanking him.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my gratitude for the honor of serving in the House of Representatives and to share a few thoughts as I prepare to leave this distinguished body. About this time 34 years ago, my wife, our three boys, and I were surrounded by scores of well-wishers organized by my friend, Bob Welling, as we boarded a train at Warrensburg, Missouri, to travel to Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, I was sworn into Congress. I arrived eager to tackle the problems of the day and represent the people of the Fourth Congressional District. It was a political highlight for me. The Roman orator Cicero said that ``gratitude is the greatest of all virtues,'' and I'm grateful to so many people. First, I'm extremely grateful and appreciative to the residents of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District whose votes allowed me to serve as their Representative in this House for 34 years. Representing the fourth district has been a tremendous privilege. I also want to thank my family whose support made it possible for me to serve in Washington, Susie, my late wife, my three wonderful sons and my lovely, understanding and supportive wife, Patty. I want to thank my friends and mentors in Congress. I can't name them all, but I want to particularly single out the great Missouri legislators, Congressman Dick Bolling, who helped me land a seat on the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Dick Gephardt and Congressman Bill Emerson who were my carpool partners and my great friends. I leave with enormous respect for all those Members who worked their hearts out to help people at home and to help steer our country's path while performing their constitutional duty. A special thanks to our Speaker Pelosi for her kindness and thoughtfulness through the years. My colleagues from Missouri have been fantastic. Finally, I want to thank my dedicated staff, past and present. The talented people who have worked in my Missouri offices, my Washington, D.C. office, on my Small Business Subcommittee staff and on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, are the unsung heroes who get the business of government done. I can't thank them enough for being part of my staff and serving the American people so very well. I have led a charmed life in many ways; but as a youngster, I learned that a person's life can change forever in an instant. After contracting polio, I was fortunate to receive treatment at the Warm Springs Foundation in Georgia. Polio affects each person differently; but at Warm Springs, patients learned valuable lessons about life-- never let illness define you, never be limited by the expectations of others, never give up, and never stop working. By applying the belief that nothing is impossible if you work hard, thousands of Warm Springs alumni, including myself, have led happy and productive lives. And it is no coincidence that three patients between 1947 and 1950 at Warm Springs became Members of this body--Jim Schuer of New York, Bo Ginn of Georgia and myself. Growing up I was inspired by my father's runs for statewide office and for Congress, and also by his service as Lafayette County prosecuting attorney. I had just completed my own term as Lafayette County prosecutor and was practicing law when President Harry Truman called to ask me to consider running for Congress in 1962. In 1976, I decided to run for Missouri's Fourth Congressional District seat. I have been on the ride of my life ever since. It is a great honor to serve in the U.S. House. This House is filled with principled public servants who work hard to give voice to the needs of voters back home. Members of Congress bring the theory of representative democracy to life every time they participate in House business, and every time they listen to the hard-wrought concerns of their neighbors. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I aspired to become chairman one day. Serving as chairman is undoubtedly the high point of my political career. The HASC family of Members and staff is very special. Members of Congress lucky enough to serve on this committee have traditionally worked in a far less partisan atmosphere than on other committees. Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the obligation to raise and support armies and to provide and maintain a Navy. All Members approach this important work very seriously, with the goals of protecting our Nation's security and also doing what is right for our men and women in uniform and their families. American politics through the ages have frequently been rough and tumble, and at times some might even say mean. But to my mind, national security transcends politics. In the realm of national security, we must make the effort to work together in a bipartisan way, to stand before our allies and the world as a united front, to strengthen our Nation's defenses under the banner of consensus. As chairman, I have always sought to maintain this bipartisan atmosphere, and I hope that culture instilled by many HASC chairs who served before will carry on under the able leadership of the new chair in the incoming Congress, Congressman Buck McKeon. I am confident it will. Throughout our country's history, the Nation has experienced many challenges. We have had economic crises, agricultural hardships, military engagements, and Members of this body responded to each one as it came along. I am proud to have been a Member of the House of Representatives, and I will always cherish my service here. I leave with some anxiety for the future, however. In the past, this body has worked best after great debates, when men and women of strong principles have met and compromised on those difficult issues, which at the time could render us asunder. But through meeting in the center and solving the problems of the day, our country benefited. It was able to progress. As a result of the last election, the center has been holed out, and more Members will represent extreme points of view, which is likely to make meaningful compromise difficult, if not impossible. Once again, our system of government and our citizenry will be tested, and the outcome will determine, borrowing the eloquent words of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, ``whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.'' When returning Members and new Members arrive in the Capitol for the new Congress in January, they will confront enormous challenges as they work to chart the course of our country in the days ahead. These challenges include the economy and jobs, health care, education, to name a few. But I implore our citizens and our leaders not to forget that we are a Nation at war. Unless our government protects our national security, none of these other important issues can receive the attention they deserve. National security must be our number one priority. I believe all Americans' good intentions support the troops and their families. But those intentions must be reflected in action, and Congress bears the Constitutional responsibility to fulfill this sacred duty. My greatest concern is that a chasm will develop between those who protect our freedoms and those who are being protected. I have often talked about what I perceive to be a civil-military gap, a lack of understanding between civilians and the military that has grown in the era of an all-volunteer force. For those not in uniform or connected to the military in some way, it is easy not to relate to our servicemembers' difficulties as they deal with the trials of war and combat, multiple deployments, family separations, missed birthdays, and other sacrifices too numerous to mention. As a Nation, we must strive to narrow that gap and bring our citizens together. United we stand, divided we fall. The men and women in uniform who form the backbone of our security cannot devote their all to protect us if we fail to provide what they need to perform their missions, stay safe in the field, and take good care of themselves and their families at home. Keeping America safe demands a national commitment to maintain military readiness. During my time in Congress, the United States has been involved in 12 conflicts, some large and some small. If the future is anything like the past, conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises will frequently pop up without warning. Preparedness is essential. Today's forces are the latest in a long line of sentinels of freedom. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines must have no doubt about the high value we place on their service. Our commitment to our servicemembers and their families will also help the next generation understand that these patriotic volunteers are critical to the survival of our Nation. To protect America's future, we must inspire the next generation to join the noble service of these ranks. I have always considered each young man and woman in uniform as a son or daughter. They are national treasures and their sacrifices cannot be taken for granted. They are not chess pieces to be moved about on a board. Each and every one is irreplaceable. Issues of national security and war and peace are too important to lose sight of the real men and women who answer our Nation's call and do the bidding of our Commander in Chief. You can't do the job as a Member of Congress for so many years unless you love it, and I do. It is a labor of love. And to paraphrase my fellow Missourian, Harry Truman, I have done my damndest every single day. I will forever be grateful for the trust Missourians have placed in me through the years and for the opportunity to serve Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the United States of America. As I leave this House, these lines from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem ``Ulysses'' express my feelings very well: Much I have seen and known; cities of men And manners, climates, councils, governments . . . And drunk delight of battle with my peers . . . Some work of noble note, may yet be done . . . Come, my friends, Tis not too late to seek a newer world. Mr. Speaker, thank you for this time.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to Major General Robin ``Baba'' Rand, the Director of the Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. After serving in this capacity for over a year, General Rand has been selected to become the Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. I am honored to commend General Rand for his many years of service to the United States Air Force. A 1979 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, General Rand distinguished himself early on as an exceptional pilot. First tapped to be an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner, he went on to serve as an F-16 Weapons Officer and later served as the Commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Force Base in the Republic of Korea. After attending the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, General Rand took an assignment as a policy planner in the Directorate for Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. He then returned to the Republic of Korea, taking command of the 8th Fighter Wing, ``The Wolfpack'', at Kunsan Air Base with follow-on wing command tours at the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base and the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base in Iraq. Based on his experiences in Iraq, General Rand was chosen to be the Principal Director for Middle East Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. In his most recent assignment as Director of Legislative Liaison, General Rand has been a steadfast advocate of the mission of the Air Force and of the 689,000 Total Force Airmen and their families. Madam Speaker, Major General Robin ``Baba'' Rand has served his country well, and he will no doubt continue to do so. I wish General Rand; his wife, Kim; and their children, Brooke and Bryson; the best of luck in the days to come.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Colonel Eric N. Single is retiring from the United States Air Force after 29 years of distinguished service. Colonel Single received his commission in 1981 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Auburn University, AL. He graduated from pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, AZ in 1983, and has extensive experience in the B-52G, B-52H and B2 bombers as an aircraft commander, instructor and evaluator. In 1991, Colonel Single deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, flying 26 combat sorties in the B-52 over Iraq and Kuwait. He graduated from the U. S. Air Force Weapons School in 1992 and was selected as initial cadre for the B-2 program. In 1998 Colonel Single took command of the 393d Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, where he led the B-2 through its combat debut in the skies over Kosovo. Colonel Single not only led his Squadron to success in Operation Allied Force, he acted as flight lead and Mission Commander on the very first B-2 combat mission earning him a Distinguished Flying Cross and a place in aviation history. His courageous flight proved once and for all the true value of stealth and long range strike. After his historic flight Colonel Single served on the Joint Staff in the Force Integration Branch. He went on to command the 5th Operations Group at Minot Air Force Base, ND and the 40th Air Expeditionary Operations Group on Diego Garcia, BIOT. Prior to his current assignment in Air Force Global Power Acquisition, Col Single served as the Vice Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air force Base, MO. Colonel Single is a Command Pilot with over 5200 hours. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Aerial Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Combat Readiness Medal with four oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Madam Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Colonel Eric N. Single for his exceptional commitment to the United States Air Force and the United States of America.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that the Missouri State Highway Patrol recently received the 2010 Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. I am proud to pay tribute to the men and women of the Highway Patrol and the exceptional service and protection they provide the citizens of Missouri. For years, Missouri's Highway Patrol has been a national leader among law enforcement agencies in the fight to prevent drunk driving and care for the victims of this senseless crime. Sobriety check points and effective patrols have resulted in almost 285,000 DWI arrests since 1980, and investigations by the Highway Patrol have led to more than 17,600 criminal charges against drunk drivers in the same time period. While these statistics are truly impressive and important to note, the Highway Patrol's greatest success cannot be measured. Countless lives are saved everyday because of the Highway Patrol's hard work and commitment to protecting Missouri families from the dangers of drunk driving. And, for those who are sadly affected by drunk driving, the Highway Patrol stands ready to help with a victim advocacy program that has long been considered among the finest in the nation. To date, the program has served victims in every county in Missouri. All these initiatives are complimented by the Highway Patrol's efforts to educate young people about the dangers drunk driving poses to all Missouri drivers. Madam Speaker, the Missouri State Highway Patrol can be proud of all it has done for the State of Missouri, and they should be congratulated for receiving this well deserved award. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in congratulating the men and women of the Highway Patrol.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to personally welcome to the House our guest chaplain, Pastor Roy Bennett of Missouri. His son David is accompanying him in the gallery. A native of the Show-Me State, Pastor Bennett was raised on a farm in southeast Missouri, and attended high school in Zalma. Moving with his family to St. Louis following high school, he attended Brooks Bible Institute, and was ordained in the Assemblies of God. Excelling in his ministry, Pastor Bennett would go on to serve congregations in the communities of Marble Hill, Potosi, Salem, and Versailles. For the past 7 years, Pastor Bennett has grown a vibrant congregation at the First Assembly of God Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he currently serves as senior pastor. As his 50 years of service throughout rural Missouri demonstrate, Pastor Bennett has been an invaluable leader for several communities throughout our State. I join my colleagues in welcoming Pastor Bennett to the U.S. House of Representatives, and we thank his son, David, who is with him today-- one of his two sons. David is a former member of the Armed Services.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, on August 15, 2010, LTG Robert L. Caslen, Jr. spoke at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Missouri, regarding Military Appreciation Day. His remarks are set forth below. Missouri State Fair--Military Appreciation Day--LTG Robert L. Caslen, Jr.--Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO--15 August 2010 Good afternoon. Thank you for that kind introduction. It is always great to visit the Show-Me State and Sedalia. It gives me an excuse to stop by the ``Wheel Drive-in'' and get myself a ``Goober Burger''. I want to thank Governor Nixon and Congressman Skelton for their inspiring words and presence here today as we honor our Military Heroes past and present. I am truly honored and humbled to be asked to speak with you today on such a momentous occasion for our Nation's military. One of our Nation's defining Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, once said, ``Let us have faith that right makes might, and . . . dare to do our duty as we understand it.'' These words epitomize our military's ethical charter, extended to us by the American people, and defined by the ideals and precepts of our Constitution. As we enter our 9th year of continuous war, our Nation faces an uncertain future--a future that will most certainly require the service and continued sacrifice of our Nation's military men and women. As our Nation and its military embark into this uncertain future, we must ever be mindful of President Lincoln's words--to solemnly do our moral duty and earnestly hope that `right makes might'. As Americans, we are a people defined by our moral character. Indeed, many of our forefathers came here in order to flee religious persecution in their native lands. These immigrants, from the Pilgrims to the Quakers to the Mennonites, boldly forged out new lives for themselves in the frontiers of America. Many of Missouri's early pioneers were just such people. Our forefathers' hard work, perseverance and strong moral ethic helped shape our country's beginnings and define our Nation's character. Our Founding Fathers were in many cases, men such as these--men of substance--whose character was born out of sacrifice and moral conviction. They understood and rejected the yoke of oppression--they knew full well the heavy price that must be paid to earn and maintain their freedom. Their vision enabled the creation of a radically new concept in the world--a nation, governed by and subservient to its people, committed to the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice for all. The ultimate manifestation of our forefathers' ideals can be seen in the instrument that established the American experiment in freedom: our Nation's Constitution. The pure genius of the U.S. Constitution still evokes awe in us today. Apart from the freedoms extended to us in its Bill of Rights, the Constitution also serves as the source document from which we derive our military's authorities. The governmental roadmap established by the Constitution clearly delineates the military's subservient role to the people and civilian authority of the military. Indeed, the Constitution establishes a client relationship between the military and the citizens of this Nation. Our client status requires us to maintain a healthy and confidence-inspiring relationship with our bosses. Trust is, and always has been, the cornerstone of this relationship. Said another way, it is incumbent on all of us in uniform to earn your trust and then to maintain it. We in the Army know all too well the heavy price that must be paid for failing to maintain the trust of the people. In the aftermath of our Nation's last persistent conflict, Vietnam, our Army faced a crisis of trust. Our relationship with the American people had been strained and as an institution, it required us to become introspective and examine all facets of what defined us ethically as a profession. And as a result, we enacted sweeping internal reforms and reinforced our Professional Military Ethic in our professional military education. But this took time and it was only after many years of demonstrated adherence to our Nation's principles and values that we were able to restore the trust of the American people. I would offer that the key ingredient that makes this difference is leadership. Leadership grounded in the principles of a Professional Ethic--whose foundation can be found in the ideals and precepts of our Constitution. Our leaders today at every level of the Army face extraordinarily complex and uncertain situations on a daily basis. Confronted by these unique and taxing circumstances, influenced by character, values, and a collective ethic, our leaders invariably will strive to make the right decisions, and thus preserve the trust we must maintain with the clients whom we serve. But it is not easy and this has not always been the case. Take Abu Ghraib for example--where we saw a failure of leadership result not only in a loss of confidence, but in the rallying of extremist Islam to join the Jihad. Fortunately this leadership failure was countered by the great work of many other leaders over a number of years. Our Nation's military is a reflection of you--the people of the United States. Our military is an all volunteer force, comprised of citizens from all walks of life throughout our country. We are a microcosm of our society--where all our country's races, religions, and creeds--equally share in the task of defending our Nation and its Constitution. Consequently, our military's character and ethic is a reflection of your own. We stand for the principles and values that you and our Nation hold dear. We are always mindful that our actions and undertakings should, at all times, reflect this fact. Our all-volunteer military is comprised of your neighbors, friends, and relatives, who have answered America's call to service during a time of war. I would like to tell you the story of one such American that answered America's call to service during war: Rick Rescorla was not born of this country. He came to this country from his native England in 1963, and entered the United States Army shortly thereafter. His natural leadership abilities were identified early on. Having graduated from Basic Training, Rick was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation Rick was assigned to 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. It was here that he would learn lasting lessons in service and sacrifice. In November 1965 a young 2LT Rick Rescorla found himself leading his men during America's first major battle of the Vietnam War, the Battle of Ia Drang. The battle was a vicious, guttural affair, and was vividly described by the commanding officer of the battle, LTC Hal Moore, and war correspondent Joe Galloway in their book, We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young. In the book, Moore described Rescorla as ``the best platoon leader I ever saw.'' Rescorla's men nicknamed him ``Hard Core'' for his bravery in battle, and revered him for his good humor and compassion towards his men. Shortly after the Battle of Ia Drang commenced, Rescorla was ordered to move out to seize the high ground surrounding the landing zone. He immediately led his platoon forward through the brush towards an enemy that they knew was lying in wait. As he did this, his image was captured by a combat cameraman--this iconic photograph adorns the cover of Moore and Galloway's book. In the picture, his face muscles are taut and eyes wide under the brow of his helmet. His eyes look almost white because they are open so wide . . . intense anxiety is plainly evident in LT Rescorla's face. He is very clearly afraid . . . afraid that his life may be snuffed out at any moment, yet he moves with his M-16 at the ready, clenched firmly in his hands, its bayonet fixed--a Soldier dutifully doing what is asked of him despite the danger. The picture--captured in a moment of desperation and sheer terror--is a powerful image of a Soldier doing his duty in combat. It's quite probable that LT Rescorla didn't really know why it was necessary to move his platoon forward and take the high ground, but he felt a compelling responsibility both to his fellow Soldiers and unit to do his duty. Rescorla did his duty that day earning a Silver Star for his valor. Yet, this was not the last time that his nation would require his service and his ultimate sacrifice. The final chapter of the Rick Rescorla story is even more moving. On September 11, 2001, Rick was serving as Vice President of Security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in its headquarters in the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. After the building was struck on that fateful morning, Rescorla calmly and expertly directed over 2700 employees to safety down the fire escape stair wells of the South Tower. Rescorla also oversaw the evacuation of another 1000 employees from the World Trade Building #5. When an old Army buddy, Dan Hill, reached him on the phone that day, Rescorla could be heard barking orders calmly and collectedly through a bullhorn. He exhorted his fellow employees to ``be proud to be Americans . . . everyone will be talking about you tomorrow.'' After the last of the employees had evacuated the South Tower, he took his security team back into the building to make a final sweep to ensure everyone had escaped safely. When one of his colleagues urged him to evacuate as well, Rescorla replied, ``As soon as I make sure everyone else is out.'' He was last seen alive on the tenth floor, moving towards danger much in the same way he had done 36 years prior at the Battle of Ia Drang. Rick Rescorla certainly knew the mortal danger he faced, yet did his duty for his fellow man. Rick Rescorla was not the last hero to die in our Nation's Global War on Terror. His actions along with hundreds of others that momentous day sparked a renewed era of sacrifice and service in our country. Many in this country do not yet fully realize the incredible value and impact that this 9/11 generation is having, and will continue to have, on our society--for they are a humble, resilient and selfless generation. They all remember exactly where they were 9 years ago when the planes went into the World Trade Center, and into the field in PA, and into the Pentagon. They are volunteers all of them, and our Country has placed the security of our Nation on their backs, again, and again, and again. And yet despite the repeated sacrifices, they have answered the call to duty each time, and stood in the gap between the evil that is out there and our way of life. They have never wavered or questioned. They quietly stand among the generations of Americans that have gone before, standing in the gap between the evil that is out there, and the values of our Nation and our way of life. I have no doubts that history will gloriously record their service and sacrifice, for it has protected the free world from tyranny and evil, and has restored freedom and inspired hope where it was absent. As was the case with our forefathers, they do not seek exclusion and intolerance and violence, but rather they seek moderation, and tolerance, and inclusion. They protect, defend, and advocate for the downtrodden and defenseless. They are indeed a reflection of you--the American people. In closing, I ask that we all remember those service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. We are forever indebted to them for their service and sacrifice. May we also remember those that are, at this very moment, standing watch for us around the globe in the name of freedom and democracy. God bless the great state of Missouri. May God bless and protect our Service members in harm's way, as well as their families back home. And may God continue to bless the United States of America. Army Strong.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, Captain Joseph McClain, for the successful completion of 29 years of distinguished Naval service, culminating with his position as the Director of the U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office in the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. I am honored to commend Captain McClain's achievements and recognize his devotion to our great Nation. A 1982 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Captain McClain earned his wings in 1983 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer. He has sailed around the world flying the S-3 Viking and has served in four squadrons aboard four different aircraft carriers. Captain McClain served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Blue Wolves of VS-35. During this tour, he adeptly led his squadron on two successful deployments aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Under his leadership, the Blue Wolves were awarded the Battle ``E'' for operational excellence within the Air Wing, the Golden Wrench for maintenance superiority, and the Pacific Fleet Retention Award. He later returned to command Sea Control Wing Atlantic, again displaying inspirational leadership for thousands of sailors and skillfully leading the Viking community through a majority of its Sundown. In his final assignment, Captain McClain stood honorably in the shoes of every sailor worldwide as he advocated on their behalf and ensured the continued success of the Navy. Captain McClain retires after 29 years of honorable service to this Nation. His professional success would not have been possible without the steadfast support of his wife, Deanna; sons, Joshua and Jeremy; and daughter, Allison. Their shared sacrifice is a credit to their personal character. Madam Speaker, I wish Captain McClain continued success and fulfillment as he transitions to civilian life after nearly three decades of service. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in saluting this outstanding Naval Officer.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the budget enforcement resolution for fiscal year 2011 passed by the House of Representatives on July 1, 2010, as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee I am submitting for inclusion in the Congressional Record efforts by the committee that will achieve deficit reduction through reduction in waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, promoting efficiency and reform of government, and controlling spending within Government programs authorized by this committee. As stewards of the public funds, it is imperative that Congress support a commitment to oversight of all aspects of federal spending and to ensure that tax dollars are protected from waste, fraud and abuse and that the Federal Government is efficient in meeting the needs of our country. Members of the Armed Services Committee embrace this obligation and have taken an active role to protect America's tax dollars while ensuring our nation's defense. Of all our efforts to ensure the best value for every taxpayer dollar, I am particularly proud of the Committee's accomplishments on defense acquisition reform during the 111th Congress. As you know, former ranking member John McHugh and I appointed a Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform in March 2009. Over the course of the subsequent 12 months, the Panel held 14 hearings examining all aspects of the defense acquisition system. The exceptional work of this panel, led by Chairman Rob Andrews and Ranking Member Mike Conaway, led directly to passage of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010, which will reform much of the defense acquisition system and potentially save taxpayers billions of dollars. This is in addition to the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on May 22, 2009, which has already started to save money for the American taxpayer by reforming the way the Department of Defense acquires weapon systems. These major efforts to bring much needed reform to the defense acquisition system are in addition to all of the Committee's continual work overseeing defense budgets, programs, and spending. Also, the committee undertakes an annual national defense authorization bill that includes a number of provisions that seek to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy for defense matters. During the first session of the 111st Congress, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, H.R. 2647, was signed into law on October 8, 2009. Public Law 111-84 contains a number of provisions that seek to root out fraud, waste and abuse within the Department of Defense (DOD), and also sought to enhance the effectiveness of our national security programs and policies. Examples of such legislative action include: Limited low rate production of Future Combat Systems spin-out early- infantry brigade combat equipment pending a technology readiness assessment, independent cost estimate and the testing of all systems constituting the equipment set in their production configuration (section 111). Required a joint and common requirement for unmanned cargo-carrying capable unmanned aerial vehicles to avoid costly duplication of multiple service programs (section 142). Limited the obligation of funds for Net-Enabled Command Capability (NECC) until the Department provided a roadmap for command and control systems. This provision contributed to the program being subsequently cancelled in the fiscal year 2011 budget submission (section 217). Required the Secretary of Defense to issue policy guidance requiring the establishment of a third-party certification process for private security contractors to allow for greater governmental oversight and prevent fraud and abuse within such contracts (section 324). Developed a comprehensive plan for improving inventory management practices for spare parts (section 328). Directed the DOD to implement a new acquisition process to improve the speed and quality of developing or purchasing information technology (IT) goods and services for the Department (section 804). Established life-cycle management and product support managers for major weapons systems to allow greater visibility of the operation and support costs for a weapon's entire life-cycle (section 805). Clarified reporting requirements to ensure that cooperative agreements and grants are treated in the same manner as other contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan to improve interagency coordination and reduce waste and duplication of programs among federal agencies (section 813). Eliminated a loop-hole that allowed contractors to overcharge the Department on certain contracts (section 814). Extended the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan by one year to continue its oversight activities (section 822). Allowed the Department to recoup award fees from companies and contractors who activities jeopardize the health and safety of government employees and service members (section 823). Required a GAO report on the Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan for the federal civilian workforce (outside of the Department of Defense) to improve the quality and training of the civilian workforce to enhance each agency's ability to tackle waste, fraud and abuse in their service contracts (section 834). Established an entity to oversee the transition of Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System (DIMHRS) from a single Department- developed program to multiple service integrated pay and personnel systems in order to capture the benefits of the significant financial investment that had been made in the unsuccessful development of the DIMHRS system (section 932). Codified a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to develop an annual plan for shaping and improving DOD's civilian employee workforce to improve the quality and training of DOD civilian workforce, especially in the acquisition and audit fields (section 1108). During the second session of the 111th Congress, the Committee continued its oversight responsibilities and additional initiatives are contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, which builds upon the accomplishments of the previous session. H.R. 5136 contains legislative priorities that will continue efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within the Department. Allows the Navy to budget for large capital ships over a period not to exceed three quarters of the number of years of planned ship construction. This provision would allow for more efficient use of the limited ship building funds available (section 121). Limits the obligation of funds for the F-35 program, a $380 billion acquisition program, until specified milestones have been met by the program to help ensure the program produces a viable aircraft within cost limits. (section 141) Directs the Secretary of Defense to create a comprehensive improvised explosive device project data base to reduce the duplicative projects that are being conducted by DOD (section 143). Requires the Secretary of Defense to determine better ways to effectively address its research and development and procurement requirements for body armor for the individual services (section 144). Requires separate program elements for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program to provide Congress better visibility over the costs and acquisition plans for the program (section 214). Requires the Secretary of the Army to submit a cost benefit analysis of future options for developing tank-fired munitions (section 232). Establishes a pilot program for micro-grid components and systems for the Department of Defense to achieve economies of scale for bulk purchases of effective systems (section 243). Requires reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), DOD, State Department, and US Agency for International Development on contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The reports are intended to strengthen management of contracts, coordination of contracts among the agencies, and oversight (sections 822 and 823). Establishes a Joint Medical Command to improve medical care and services for service members, families and retirees and could result in significant savings for the Department of Defense's Health Affairs program (section 903). Reduces budget transfer authority to ensure that budget requests are validated. This will help to ensure that high priority programs are funded and prevent wasteful spending for lower priority programs (section 1001). Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct an independent review of each working capital fund within the Department of Defense to ensure better management and oversight of these funds (section 1402) Amends the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to make it more effective and provide for continuous monitoring of IT systems (section 1701). Requires the Department of Defense to provide an assessment of facilities that can be retrofitted with insulation to improve energy savings (section 2833). Report language: ``Matters Relating to the Common Database for Tracking Contracts and Contractor Personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.'' Highlights that agencies have been slow to implement the database, and that GAO and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction have both stated that if the database were complete, it would be a helpful tool for performing audits, oversight, and investigations. In addition, the House yesterday considered H.R. 6102, which amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Public Law 111-84, to extend the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for F/A-18E, F/A-18F-SF, and EA-18G aircraft. Passage of this bill would save the Department of the Navy an estimated $600 million in contract savings in fiscal year 2010. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee I remain committed to ensuring that the committee continues its efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and advance efforts to ensure cost- effective capabilities and to control spending within the Department of Defense. I appreciate the opportunity to share the actions taken by the Committee during the 111th Congress to achieve deficit reduction through the elimination of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, promoting efficiency and reform of government, and controlling spending of programs authorized by this committee.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that on August 7, 2010, the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of Memorial Hall, a place the post has called home since 1922. This sturdy building befits an organization that has provided unwavering service to the Nevada community for more than 8 decades. Completed in 1910, Memorial Hall was originally constructed by the citizens of Vernon County to be the home of Company G of the Fifth Regular Missouri National Guard, the company that ably fought in the Spanish-American War. Twelve years later, the building was deeded to the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 and was renamed Memorial Hall. It is fitting that a structure which has stood the test of time bears the name Memorial Hall. This building and the American Legion post housed within are enduring testaments to the men and women who lost their lives in defense of our country and to those who have returned from battle to once again serve our communities. While our Nation's veterans may stop wearing the uniform of the Armed Forces, these brave men and women never stop serving. And, it's comforting to know that the American Legion is dedicated to providing support and stability to these veterans. The Leon Ogier Post No. 2 has become a fixture of the Nevada community. From the annual kids Christmas program, a tradition that dates back to 1922, to the meal delivery program during the holidays, this post has set a high standard of service. The fabric of the community is strong due in no small part to the Leon Ogier Post No. 2. Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the construction of Memorial Hall, let us all take a moment to thank our veterans and the organizations that support them. As we celebrate this important milestone, I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 the very best in the next 100 years.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, the Kucinich Resolution is the wrong answer to the wrong question at the wrong time. It directs the U.S. under the War Powers Act to withdraw from a country where we are not in fact fighting a ``war,'' a country where the desperately needed assistance we are providing is fundamental to protecting the Homeland at a time when Pakistan is now aggressively fighting our common enemy. Here are the facts: we currently have less than 250 troops in Pakistan, and they are there only to train and equip Pakistan's security forces--not to fight. These troops report to the U.S. embassy and work with the full knowledge, permission, and support of Pakistan's civilian government. U.S. forces in Pakistan have nothing to do with alleged drone attacks against terrorists in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), and this resolution would have no impact on those. Pakistan is now aggressively fighting terrorists. In fact, it was Pakistani forces who, earlier this year, captured the Taliban's second- in-command--the most significant capture since the start of the war. The Pakistan Army has suffered enormous casualties in this fight during the last year. We should not be confused by outdated, leaked information that doesn't reflect Pakistan's decision to truly take on the Taliban in 2009. I urge my colleagues to vote against this fatally flawed resolution.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, today we take a vital step toward fulfilling one of Congress' most basic and important responsibilities. We will provide the men and women of the United States military with the resources they need to carry out their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, missions for which they are risking their lives. While I wish we would have been able to send a bill to the President sooner, passage of this bill today will ensure that funding is provided to the Department of Defense without any operational disruptions. Without this bill, the Department of Defense would be forced to use inefficient and costly budget workarounds throughout the month of August. According to testimony the Armed Service Committee received last week, without this bill the Department of Defense would be forced in September to furlough thousands of civilian employees and would even be forced to reprogram funding to pay the troops. Instead, by passing this bill today on a strong bipartisan vote, we can uphold the best traditions of Congress in support of our national security.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, the United States is blessed in many ways, but the ingenuity, patriotism, and character of the people who make up the fabric of our country are the greatest of our strengths. The characteristics of our people--the values we learn from our fathers, mothers, grandparents, and siblings--help to define American leadership. Outstanding American leaders walk among us each day. One such American leader is the current president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri National Guard Brigadier General (Retired) Charlie Kruse, who with his wife Pam have become dear friends of mine through the years. I learned this week that Charlie plans to retire from the Farm Bureau after serving as its president since 1992. While his retirement will be a loss to the Farm Bureau family and to those of us in Congress who work with him, I know that Charlie and Pam will continue serving the people of Missouri and the farmers and military personnel who call the Show-Me State home. Charlie is a native of Dexter, Missouri, located in the southeastern portion of the state. He is an Eagle Scout who earned that rank in 1959 and then went on to graduate in 1963 from Dexter High School. Charlie and Pam continue to farm in Dexter. Charlie graduated in 1967 from Arkansas State University with a degree in agronomy and graduated in 1973 with a Masters of Science in Agronomy from Missouri University. As a distinguished graduate from Mizzou, I know Charlie must have been thrilled when in 1983, Missouri Governor Kit Bond appointed him to the University of Missouri Board of Curators. In 1985, Missouri Governor John Ashcroft honored Charlie by appointing him to his cabinet as Missouri Director of Agriculture. In 1990, he became the only Missourian to serve on President George H. W. Bush's Council on Rural America and was appointed to the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee of U.S. Trade Representative Carla A. Hills. In 1991, Charlie became executive vice president of the North American Equipment Dealers Association but resigned that post in August 1992 to seek the presidency of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. Charlie was elected president of the Missouri Farm Bureau that year. During his tenure as Missouri Farm Bureau president, Charlie has been a state and national leader in agricultural policy making and has well represented the interests of Show-Me State farmers during Congressional farm bill debates. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Meat Export Federation; the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture; the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, and Oilseeds; the Missouri State Government Review Commission; the Missouri Plant Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and President George W. Bush's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Charlie has also served as chairman of the American Farm Bureau's Task Force on the U.S. Livestock Industry; chairman of the American Farm Bureau's Trade Advisory Committee; and a member of the board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FARMER MAC). Charlie's agricultural career has been paralleled by a career in military uniform. In 1967, Charlie enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard as an infantryman. He worked his way through the ranks from Private to Brigadier General. As a general officer in the Missouri Army National Guard, Charlie served as Assistant Adjutant General of Missouri. Charlie retired from the Army in 1993 after 26 years of distinguished service. We owe him and his family a debt of gratitude for his military service. Because of his outstanding leadership, Charlie holds many awards and honors. But, despite these accolades, I expect Charlie's top honor is being a husband and a father. Madam Speaker, I wish Charlie, Pam, and their family all the best as they transition into a new chapter of life. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in expressing a debt of gratitude to them.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SKELTON. I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, it was 1943. I was a young boy standing across the street from my home on Franklin Street in Lexington, Missouri. I heard an airplane overhead, and I looked up, and it is what I learned later was a C-47 towing a glider. I also later learned that this airplane and the glider came from the Sedalia Army Airfield near Sedalia, Missouri, between Sedalia and Warrensburg, out of a small community known as Knob Noster. It was June 6, 1944, when I stayed up late in the evening listening to the radio with my father. That was of course the occasion on the Normandy landing. It was the C-47s pulling gliders that were trained at the Sedalia Army Airfield over Normandy that helped in the landing and the successful assault there in France. Today, the Sedalia Army Airfield is not called that anymore. It's called Whiteman Air Force Base, named after a lieutenant who in his P- 40 at Hickam Field on December 7, 1941, got about 10 feet off the ground to go after the Japanese attackers and was shot and killed. These are memories of a young boy. And seeing the soldiers and sailors and marines come home, they were my heroes. And Madam Speaker, today they are still my heroes.

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).

Mr. SKELTON. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today, and I request that the House support House Resolution 1516, which is a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who fought. I am proud to note that I introduced this resolution alongside the committee's ranking member, the gentleman from California, Buck McKeon. Madam Speaker, I grew up around veterans of the First World War; and during World War II, as a young teenager, I looked up to all my friends and neighbors in uniform as living, breathing American heroes. My father served in the Navy aboard the USS Missouri during World War I. It was on the next USS Missouri, the ``Mighty Mo,'' that Japan signed the official surrender papers to end World War II. It was 65 years ago this September. So the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II is a big thing for me. It is a big thing for this great Nation, and it is a big thing for the free nations of the entire globe. It is difficult to explain to people who did not grow up during those tense years how it felt to be a young person in America the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. America had already participated in efforts to prevent the tyrannical expansion of Axis powers by providing material and industrial support to the Allied powers long before we were attacked; but all of a sudden, the front lines of war were on our shores. I am no longer that young teenager, but the memories of the extraordinary valor and selfless sacrifice of the over-16 million American men and women in uniform are still with me today. Their efforts echo across these lands in many complex ways, the simplest and most fundamental of those being the fact that we continue to be free. Allied forces faced vicious combat, exhibited unmatched bravery, and suffered untold tragedy in places like southeast Asia, the Philippines, the islands of the Southwest and Central Pacific, the deserts of North Africa, across great stretches of the Atlantic Ocean, and from the beaches of Western Europe to the icy Russian tundra. Not only did Americans serve in uniform; Americans from all walks of life contributed to making the American home front the Arsenal of Democracy. It was the united efforts of everyone, of every last citizen, that resulted in triumph. Ultimately, over 405,000 servicemembers lost their lives in World War II. To them, their spouses, their children, we as American citizens will be eternally indebted. We say thank you. Before I reserve the balance of my time, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the service of our brave men and women in uniform who are serving in our ongoing conflicts today. In some ways, the war we find ourselves in today is like World War II: our American homeland was attacked--unprovoked--and our uniformed servicemembers are fighting to keep us free and safe from a war that has reached our shores. This Nation has been blessed with generation after generation of patriotic Americans who have selflessly served our country. And you have carried on this tradition, and to them we say thank you. Madam Speaker, there are only about 2 million World War II veterans with us today. On the 65th anniversary of the Allied victory and the end of World War II, I request that the House of Representatives pass this resolution, House Resolution 1516, to recognize the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fought and contributed to American victory in World War II; honor the families and descendants of those men and women and the men and women themselves whose lives were taken in defense of liberty and freedom; and remember and honor the servicemembers today who are actively fighting for freedom, and to protect the American way of life in ongoing combat operations today, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this resolution.

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1516) recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the servicemembers who fought in World War II and their families, and honoring the servicemembers who are currently serving in combat operations.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Colonel Roger A. Wilson, Jr. is retiring as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District Commander. He has diligently served in this role for three years. After earning degrees from The Citadel, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the U.S. Army War College, Colonel Wilson went on to lead engineering battalions across the United States and around the world. In addition to these assignments, he served in combat operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan. As Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District, Colonel Wilson oversaw many military and civil works projects throughout the District. From overseeing construction projects at the region's many military installations to ensuring our levees and dams are structurally sound, Colonel Wilson ably led an office with diverse mandates and responsibilities. Although his resume boasts many accomplishments, Colonel Wilson's work to maintain the superiority of the Emergency Operations Center, which plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters whenever and wherever they may occur, is most impressive. Madam Speaker, Colonel Wilson is a true professional and has exhibited remarkable leadership during his time as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District Commander. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing him well in the days to come.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb will retire after 40 years of service in the United States Army on October 1, 2010. He has served his country well and will be sorely missed. Lieutenant General Whitcomb graduated from the University of Virginia in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in History. From there, he went on to receive degrees from the California University of Pennsylvania, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He was commissioned through ROTC and entered the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer. First stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he steadily rose through the ranks and excelled at each assignment he was given. From combat operations in Desert Shield/Desert Storm to Operation Joint Forge to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he effectively led our men and women into battle and never forgot that the Army's most precious assets are those who wear the uniform of our Nation's military. Throughout his career he consistently showed his dedication to the youngest members of the U.S. Army. As a professor and a mentor for ROTC, he made sure the young cadets of the U.S. Army were well-trained with high morale and in excellent physical condition. At the Pentagon, Lieutenant General Whitcomb served several roles including Executive Officer for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. He ended his forty years of distinguished service as the Inspector General for the Office of the Secretary of the Army. Madam Speaker, throughout his lifetime of service, Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb has shown uncommon professionalism and dedication to the mission of the United States Army. I wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, RADM Michael Miller, upon the completion of more than two years of distinguished service as the United States Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs. I am honored to commend Rear Admiral Miller's achievements on the Navy's behalf as well as his devotion to our nation. Rear Admiral Miller graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1974 and earned his ``Wings of Gold'' two years later. He has served tours around the world flying the S-3 Viking, and he has served at sea as Executive Officer and later in command of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), the USS Coronado (AGF-11), and Carrier Strike Group 7. Rear Admiral Miller also served as the first-ever active duty Director of the White House Military Office. As Chief of Legislative Affairs, Rear Admiral Miller showed the integrity, skill, and professionalism for which we honor our brave men and women in uniform. His work helped ensure the United States Navy's readiness and superior capabilities. Rear Admiral Miller was recently nominated and confirmed for appointment to the rank of Vice Admiral. In connection with this promotion, he will be assigned as Superintendant of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Madam Speaker, I wish Rear Admiral Miller continued success and fulfillment as he undertakes this new challenge. I trust my colleagues in the House will join me in saluting this fine Naval Officer.