Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the official rebirth of the Congressional Rural Caucus. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to recognize the efforts of Representatives Eva Clayton of North Carolina, Jo Ann Emerson of Missouri, Jerry Moran of Kansas, and Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota to re-establish this important Caucus, and to thank the dozens of organizations and associations which have helped during the planning process and will continue to work with the Congressional Rural Caucus in the days ahead. I am very excited to be a member of this new caucus. A number of years ago, I served a term as Chairman of the previously organized Congressional Rural Caucus. That group was extraordinarily valuable as an outlet for Members representing rural districts to discuss issues and work together to communicate the particular needs and concerns of rural America to the Congress as a whole. After several years of inactivity, I am glad that like-minded Members will once again have a bi-partisan organization that focuses on bringing the priorities of rural America to the forefront in the Congress. In addition to recognizing the new membership of the Congressional Rural Caucus, I would like to say just a few words about one of the groups that has recently assisted with the organization of the Caucus and has for decades worked to improve life in rural America--the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). One of our nation's greatest achievements during the last century was the electrification of rural America. Before the third decade of the 20th Century, only about 10 percent of America's rural population enjoyed the benefits of electricity. The rest chopped wood, pumped water by hand or carried it from a stream, washed and rinsed the laundry in tubs in the yard. Life without electricity was especially hard on women. They aged early and died young because of the hardships of rural living. Rural electrification provides us with a wonderful example of American ingenuity and federal cooperation. The people of rural America who needed electric service came together as cooperatives to organize and run their own electric utilities, and the government provided loans that most bankers, then or today, could not have provided prudently. Electricity--and the Rural Electrification Administration and the vision of Congress--made a huge difference. Today, more than 99 percent of rural Americans can watch television in the comfort of an all- electric home, can enjoy the efficiencies of all manner of appliances-- from toasters to air-conditioners, from grain dryers to milking machines and refrigeration. Because now most rural Americans have electric service, some would say the job is done. I would say the job is just begun. Rural America today faces a different set of challenges. Electric cooperatives have deep roots in their communities, and they have a stake in improving the quality of life, the economics, the health and education of their communities. Electric cooperatives have traditionally provided services well beyond basic electricity, from something as simple as lighting the little league field to something as complex as providing distance learning in rural schools, Internet access, water and sewer, satellite television, economic and community development. They could do more; they would do more. We need to consider how rural Americans across the country could benefit by harnessing the talent of rural electric cooperatives in new ways in this new century. I look forward in the coming months and years, as a member of the Congressional Rural Caucus, to addressing our new rural challenges. Again, I would like to thank the co-chairs of the Caucus and all of the organizations that have worked to bring the Congressional Rural Caucus back to life. Together I think we can be a positive force to bring true and consistent prosperity and a high quality of life to rural Americans.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute to Douglas H. Necessary, on the occasion of his retirement from the House Armed Services Committee staff after more than 15 years. He will be greatly missed by Members and staff alike. Doug began his public service in the U.S. Army where he distinguished himself over a 20-year career. He rose from the enlisted ranks, received his commission, and was highly decorated during two combat tours in Vietnam as an infantry officer and retired as a lieutenant colonel. While in the Army, Doug also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and a Master of Arts degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. Doug's accomplishments on the committee are numerous. He came to the House Armed Services Committee in October 1984, bringing skills that were especially useful in the areas of military procurement, acquisition reform, and research and development. Since 1993, Doug has served as the lead staff person responsible for those issues while working for both the full committee and for the Ranking Minority Member. Doug guided two legislative initiatives, the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 and the Clinger/Cohen Federal Acquisition Reform Act of 1996, that were landmark efforts to modernize and rectify a severely troubled military procurement process. Doug also pioneered efforts, in concert with Chairman Ron Dellums (D-CA), to better develop the Department of Defense's Small and Disadvantaged Business initiatives, particularly the Mentor-Protege program. Doug had a profound effect on the procurement of all of the Department of Defense's major weapons programs. At various times, he was the committee's staff person in charge of each of the services procurement programs, before becoming the lead staff with responsibility for all of the Department's programs. Doug became the ultimate expert on complex systems such as Ballistic Missile Defense, Theater Missile Defense, the V-22 Osprey, the B-2 bomber, the C-17, the F/A-18, and many others. His expertise was recognized not only by the Members of the House, but was also highly regarded by senior officials in the Department of Defense. His decisions about hardware programs were frequently guided by the awareness that the programs would result in weapons systems that would have to be used by real people, and he brought that kind of common sense approach to all of the issues he worked. Doug has always integrated the depth of his factual knowledge with a keen sense of the realities that existed in the political and fiscal environment of the time. His advice allowed Members to understand what was important and what was possible. Because we knew what options existed, we were able to significantly advance our legislative initiatives. His work was always thorough and unbiased, and he had a unique knack for being able to explain complex and arcane subjects to novices and experts alike. Perhaps the hallmark of Doug's career on the Hill was that he never lost sight of the ultimate goals of good government and sound national security policies. Good stewardship of the taxpayers' dollars and doing what was in America's best interests were always the guiding principles in his work. There is no doubt that the country is better off because of his extraordinary efforts. I know I speak for countless members and staff when I thank Doug Necessary for his outstanding service to the country, to the House of Representatives, and to the Armed Services Committee. His expertise, his honesty, his friendliness, his availability, and perhaps especially his sense of humor, will be sorely missed. We wish Doug well as he moves on to the next phase of his life, knowing that he will make a difference for the better wherever he goes.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of my friend Clifton Daniel, of Manhattan, New York. He was 87. Mr. Daniel was born in Zebulon, North Carolina, in 1912. During high school summers, he worked behind the soda fountain in his father's drug store and contributed stories to the local newspaper. In 1933, he graduated from the University of North Carolina and was hired by the Raleigh News & Observer as a reporter, editor and columnist. After three years, Mr. Daniel went to New York to find another journalist position. The Associated Press hired him to report from Washington, Switzerland and London during the next six years. In 1944, Mr. Daniel joined the New York Times, beginning his 33-year career with the newspaper. He developed a reputation for graceful writing and tireless reporting while in Britain covering the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force. He left London to cover the Allied ground forces in Europe until the fighting ended. After the war was over, the New York Times named him the chief foreign correspondent in the Middle East, where he reported on the birth of Israel, the rise of Arab nationalism and the collapse of a Soviet Azerbaijani puppet state in northern Iran. He then returned to London, where he covered the death of King George VI and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1954, he served as the Times's Moscow correspondent, winning an Overseas Press Club award in 1956 for his Moscow reporting. Mr. Daniel continued his career at the New York Times and was named managing editor in 1964, the second highest editorial position at the newspaper. During his five years in that job, he is credited with injecting renewed life into the paper, seeking improved writing and expanded coverage of arts and society. Mr. Daniel then served as an associate editor and worked in New York Times broadcasting ventures until he became the Washington bureau chief in 1973. In addition to supervising the bureau, he wrote articles that chronicled the fall of President Nixon's administration and covered the new administration of President Ford. Upon announcing his retirement in 1977, Mr. Daniel spoke highly of the variety and excitement he experienced during his distinguished career at the New York Times. On 21 April 1956, Mr. Daniel married Margaret Truman Daniel, former President Truman's only child. They met during a dinner party in 1955 and kept their romance a secret until a month before their wedding in Independence, Missouri. Mr. Speaker, Clifton Daniel was a true friend and great American. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife of more than 43 years, Margaret; his four sons; and five grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as I was growing up in my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, I built model airplanes with a young man by the name of Vance Frick, who I learned just a few days ago passed away, a distinguished lawyer in the State of Missouri. Vance Frick was in the Air Force of the United States, was shot down, held captive for a long period of time in North Korea and fortunately was able to return to his civilian life. I have another friend that I would like to mention because this resolution really is very personal to me, the gentleman who retired not long ago as a major general in the United States Army Reserve. His name is Robert Shirkey of Kansas City, a well-known trial lawyer there. If one would have seen him in his uniform before he retired from the Army Reserve, they would have seen he wore a combat infantry badge with a star on top. The star indicated that he not only saw combat as an infantryman in one but two wars. He did yeoman's work in the Second World War in the Pacific in the Philippines as a member of the Alamo Scouts and was called upon again as a young officer to fight again in Korea; which he did. So it is with the Robert Shirkeys of America that that war was prosecuted, that freedom came to pass in South Korea, that the resolve of America became known, and that America was able to say we are the bastion of freedom for this globe. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) who saw and was part of the conflict, former staff sergeant in the United States Army, now a distinguished and highly regarded Member of this Congress.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution, H.J. Res. 86, a resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. I cannot help, while sitting here awaiting my moment to speak, to think of names like Barney Rostine, Richard Yates, Jim Sparks, schoolmates of mine who paid the ultimate price and were killed in action during the Korean War. I was fortunate to have a roommate in law school who later became a judge in Brookfield, Missouri, by the name of Robert Devoy, who fought in the Pusan Perimeter, the conflict of which the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) just mentioned. So it is with great respect and reverence that I support this resolution today. Fifty years ago this June, President Harry S. Truman ordered United States military intervention on the Korean Peninsula. Over the next 3 years, over 54,000 Americans paid the ultimate price; and 33,000 were actually killed in action. Over 110,000 Americans were wounded or missing in action. In addition, over 228,000 South Korean soldiers and untold numbers of civilians gave their lives. These stark statistics serve as a reminder to all of us that the aphorism ``freedom isn't free'' is more than just a few words. The sacrifices of thousands of American service members purchased the freedom that South Koreans enjoy to this day, a freedom that our military continues to protect. In many respects, our participation in the Korea conflict presaged and has served as a model for our way of military operations today. Korea was the first multilateral United Nations operation, and it has become the longest standing peace-keeping operation in modern times. The unfortunate experience of Task Force Smith has taught us the paramount importance of sending forces into battle only when they are adequately trained and equipped. We have also learned that units cannot be thrown piecemeal into battle but must be engaged in a coordinated fashion with air and sea power and with overwhelming force. The lessons of the Korean War, taught at such great costs, have served us well in the conflicts in which we have participated since then, from Vietnam to the Persian Gulf War and now in Bosnia and Kosovo. As much as we may be inclined to remember the leaders who ultimately brought us victory in the Korean War--Truman, MacArthur, Acheson, Walker and Ridgeway--it is really the men and women who served so bravely to whom we should pay tribute today. And that is what we do. Without their selfless dedication, their valor, their perseverance, the people of South Korea would not be living in a free and prosperous society as they are. This resolution recognizes their service, expresses the gratitude of the American people, and calls upon the President of the United States to issue an appropriate proclamation, something he unquestionably should do. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 86. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. McNulty).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Puerto Rico (Mr. Romero-Barcelo). (Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute to Gen. John H. Tilelli, Jr., who retired from the U.S. Army on January 31, 2000, after more than 33 years of exemplary service. General Tilelli was raised in Holmdel, NJ. A 1963 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, he received a bachelor's degree in economics and was commissioned as an armor officer. He attended the armor officer basic and advanced courses and Airborne School. General Tilelli is also a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and completed the U.S. Army War College in 1983. He received a master's degree in education administration from Lehigh University in 1972. Widener University awarded him an honorary doctorate in business management in 1996 and the University of Maryland presented him with an honorary doctorate in law in 1997. General Tilelli saw combat in two wars during his career. In Vietnam, he served as the company commander, 18th Engineer Brigade and as the district senior advisor, Advisory Team 84. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, General Tilelli was the commanding general, 1st Cavalry Division. In other assignments, General Tilelli served in the 3d Battalion, 77th Armor, Fort Devens, MA. He also held positions in the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and then 1st Armored Division while stationed in Germany. Additionally, he had the opportunity to mentor future soldiers as an assistant professor of military science, Lafayette College, PA, and shared his technical expertise during a tour at the U.S. Army Armor School, Fort Knox, KY. General Tilelli commanded the Seventh Army Training Command and Combat Maneuver Training Center in Germany before assuming command of the 1st Cavalry Division. After that, he served in the Pentagon as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, then as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. After his promotion to general, he served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army before assuming command of U.S. Army Forces Command. General Tilelli then became the Commander of the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea/United States Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea. General Tilelli made monumental contributions and improvements to the United States and Republic of Korea military coalition and vastly improved its ability to deter and defend against attack. He also served as a vital link between the United States and the civilian government of the Republic of Korea, proving to be one of the Army's most successful diplomats. His political and military expertise resulted in the right application and employment of forces to ultimately deescalate the rising tensions during several crucial periods on the Korean peninsula. In addition to improving military readiness and force projection capability, General Tilelli ensured that all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines under his command received the best care, the best facilities and the best service possible for themselves and their family members. General Tilelli's decorations included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and Palm. He also wears the Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Badge, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Mr. Speaker, General John Tilelli is the kind of officer that all soldiers strive to be. He has served with honor and distinction, dedicating over 33 years to our soldiers and our Nation. The U.S. Army is a better institution for his service. I know the Members of the House will join me in offering gratitude to General Tilelli and his family--his wife, Valerie, and his daughters, Christine, Margaret, and Jeanne--for their service to our country, and we wish them all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Robert (Bob) Beykirch of Sedalia, Missouri. Bob Beykirch was born on November 24, 1928, in East St. Louis, Illinois, a son of Christopher and Marie Walters Beykirch. He was a staff sergeant in the Illinois National Guard and was stationed in Germany for a year during the Korean War. Bob was a graduate of St. Louis University, where he received a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1955. In 1957, Bob and his family moved to Sedalia, Missouri, after acquiring an Anheuser-Busch wholesale distributorship that was renamed County Distributing Co. Bob served as president of the Missouri Beer Wholesaler Association and was a member of the Anheuser-Busch Wholesaler Advisory Panel. Bob served on the Sedalia Park Board, was a board member of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, was a past president of the Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of the Sedalia Area Tourism Commission. In addition, Bob sat on the board of Citizens Against Spouse Abuse, Children's Therapy Center, and the Sedalia Airport Board. Bob was also involved with the Sedalia-Pettis County United Way, local sports teams, and was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mr. Speaker, Bob was a successful businessman, civic leader, and a good friend. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife, Dorothy; his four sons, daughter, and 12 grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that the residents of Maries County, Missouri, are gathering to honor one of their leading citizens, Mr. Tom Coffey, on his 94th birthday. Mr. Coffey has a long history of public service. He began by volunteering to defend his country in the European Theater during World War II. After the war, he returned to Vienna and has remained a lifetime resident. He adopted the people of the city of Vienna and Maries County and has made significant contributions to the community over the past 50 years. Mr. Coffey provided generous financial support to build a fire station in Vienna, donated land for a business development site and established three scholarships for graduates of Vienna High School. He also purchased land to build the American Legion Hall and then deeded the property to the city. Additionally, Mr. Coffey has been the leading force behind the Maries County Fair for more than 40 years and was one of five citizens to establish the Old Jail and Historical Society. He is planning to continue to support the community for many years into the future as he has designated more than 30 organizations to receive annual grants from his trust. I am not surprised that the city of Vienna wants to express their gratitude to Mr. Coffey on the occasion of his 94th birthday. Mr. Speaker, I know all Members of Congress will join me in paying tribute to Mr. Coffey for his outstanding dedication to the community and selfless public service.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Don Hutson, of Lebanon, Missouri. He was 68. Mr. Hutson was born on November 4, 1931, in Kansas City, MO, to Alpha Henry and Lola Hutson. He graduated as valedictorian from Oak Grove High School and went on to graduate with honors from Central College. In 1958, he earned a juris doctor degree with honors from George Washington University Law School. He then spent 4 years as a staff assistant to Senator Stuart Symington. This gave him an opportunity to work on many legislative issues beneficial to the state of Missouri. Mr. Hutson was a well known and respected attorney, who practiced law in Kansas City and Lebanon for 40 years. Prior to entering private practice, he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson County, serving as chief trial attorney for most of the major felony cases in Kansas City. He was commended for successfully prosecuting and convicting dozens of organized-crime figures during one of the first national organized-crime drives. Mr. Hutson was recognized for his numerous achievements throughout his life. He was named in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the Midwest and Who's Who in American Law. In addition, he was active in his community and civic affairs. Mr. Hutson was an ordained minister in the Christian Church and served as a Christian Church minister at Oak Grove, Lone Jack and other churches in Missouri. He was the founder of the Lebanon Arts Council and involved with the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and the Lebanon Concert Association. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his son, Eric; his three daughters, Sheila, Robin, and Heather; and five grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Don Hutson, of Lebanon, Missouri. He was 68. Mr. Hutson was born on November 4, 1931, in Kansas City, MO, to Alpha Henry and Lola Hutson. He graduated as valedictorian from Oak Grove High School and went on to graduate with honors from Central College. In 1958, he earned a juris doctor degree with honors from George Washington University Law School. He then spent 4 years as a staff assistant to Senator Stuart Symington. This gave him an opportunity to work on many legislative issues beneficial to the state of Missouri. Mr. Hutson was a well known and respected attorney, who practiced law in Kansas City and Lebanon for 40 years. Prior to entering private practice, he was appointed assistant prosecuting attorney for Jackson County, serving as chief trail attorney for most of the major felony cases in Kansas City. He was commended for successfully prosecuting and convicting dozens of organized-crime figures during one of the first national organized-crime drives. Mr. Hutson was recognized for his numerous achievements throughout his life. He was named in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the Midwest and Who's Who in American Law. In addition, he was active in his community and civic affairs. Mr. Hutson was an ordained minister in the Christian Church and served as a Christian Church minister at Oak Grove, Lone Jack and other churches in Missouri. He was the founder of the Lebanon Arts Council and involved with the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and the Lebanon Concert Association. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his son, Eric; his three daughters, Sheila, Robin, and Heather; and five grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and exceptionally distinguished civil service career has come to an end. Mr. Dale T. Pollard, of my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, recently retired after 58 years of extraordinary service to the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. Mr. Pollard's career began nearly 60 years ago as an Assistant Chief Factory Clerk at Remington Arms Company, Incorporated. He willingly left the ammunition plant to enlist in the Army during World War II and saw combat in the European Theater, earning the combat infantrymen badge and the Bronze Star for valor. He immediately returned to the plant at the end of the war and dedicated himself to government service for the next five decades. Mr. Pollard served in many capacities at the plant, always determined to ensure that Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines were supplied with the highest quality ammunition and that Americans were receiving every penny's worth of their defense dollar. At 81 years old, Mr. Pollard could have retired many years ago. Instead, he remained in federal service because he loved his work and was committed to Lake City, the Ordnance Corps, and the U.S. Army. Mr. Speaker, Dale Pollard has been an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of working with him at Lake City. I know all Members of Congress will join me in paying tribute to the outstanding public service of my good friend.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Colonel (Retired) Chester Bailey McCoid, United States Army, of Westfield, Connecticut. He was 77. Colonel McCoid, the son of the late Colonel Chester B. McCoid and the late Florence Addis, was born on July 31, 1922. He lied about his age at 16 years old to enter the Army. By the time he left the service, he had fought as a combat infantryman in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Colonel McCoid was one of only 294 three-time holders of the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge, awarded for direct engagement with enemy ground forces in a conflict. During the invasion of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944, Colonel McCoid led a parachute rifle company of the 82nd Airborne Division and later refused to stop fighting after being wounded by an enemy gunner. After fighting in Korea, he was an exchange officer with the United States Navy for four years and he served as a member of the Army General Staff at the Pentagon. In 1966, Colonel McCoid began serving the first of three tours in Vietnam for a total of 51 months spread over the next seven years. He was Deputy Commander of the Independent 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and commanded the 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division (airmobile) while in the Southeast Asia theater. In an unusual assignment heading the American Element of The Four Party Military Commission, Region Two, he oversaw the United States' interests in negotiations with the representatives of the Communists and South Vietnam to end the war. Colonel McCoid left for the United States on March 29, 1973, the last ground soldier to serve outside Saigon in the Vietnam War. In his 34 years of dedicated service, Col McCoid received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, five Legions of Merit, five Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was also decorated by France twice and eight times by the Republic of Vietnam. He graduated from the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Chester McCoid was a professional soldier and great American. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife of more than 54 years, Dorothy M. Jamison McCoid; his two sons, Chester B. McCoid III and Scott C. McCoid; his two daughters, Maureen Kennedy and Naomi Litecky; his brother and two sisters; and seven grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of the Honorable Russell J. McFatrich of Sedalia, MO. Russell McFatrich was born May 14, 1923, near Bahner, MO, a son of James H. and Cleo E. Rhodes McFatrich. He was an active member of his community, generously sharing many of his diverse interests and talents. In 1965-66, he and his wife received the State and County Extension Farm Management Award. Mr. McFatrich served as Pettis County Commissioner for the Eastern District from 1975 to 1979. He was a board member of many organizations, including the Salvation Army, Production Credit Association, Mid-America Dairymen, Farm and Home Administration, the Children's Therapy Center, Community Bank, and the County Extension Council. He also was a member of Rotary and was named Rotarian of the Year in 1994 and a Paul Harris Fellow. Russell McFatrich was a 4-H leader, a State Fair Statesmen, and a member of Sedalia Knife and Fork. He also sang tenor beautifully and was asked to sing at many weddings, funerals, church services and community events. He was a life-long United Methodist Church member and attended the New Bethel United Methodist Church. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife of 54 years, Helen Lucille Franklin McFatrich; his son, Jerry; his two daughters, Carolyn and Mitzi; his mother, his brother and four sisters, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Harry G. Summers, Jr., United States Army, died this week. In his passing, the Army and the Nation have lost a soldier and scholar, who ranks among the preeminent military strategists and analysts of this century. As an Army officer, who began his professional life as an enlisted soldier, and later as a military analyst, author and commentator, Colonel Summers knew personally the bayonet-point reality of war and thought and wrote widely about strategic issues. He was a decorated veteran of combat in Korea and Vietnam, awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for Valor, and the legion of Merit; twice awarded the combat infantry badge; and twice awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. An infantry squad leader in the Korean conflict, he served as a battalion and corps operation officer during the Vietnam war, and later as a negotiator with the North Vietnamese in Saigon and in Hanoi. Instructor of strategy at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, he was a political-military action officer on the Army General Staff, a member of the then Army chief of staff Creighton Abrams' strategic assessment group, and served in the Office of the Army Chief of Staff from 1975 to 1980, before joining the faculty of the U.S. Army War College. At the war college, Colonel Summers was at the heart of the rebirth of strategic studies in the professional military education of our Armed Forces in the early 1980's. His book On Strategy: The Vietnam War in Context provided a critical strategic appraisal of American strategy in that war and a seminal American work in the relationship of military strategy to national policy. On Strategy has been characterized as being ``about'' the Vietnam war in much the same way that Clausewitz is ``about'' the Napoleonic wars or that Mahan is ``about'' 18th-century naval struggles between France and England. That is, Harry Summers used the Vietnam war as a vehicle for analysis and illustration of principles of war that apply universally. After his retirement from active service, Harry Summers continued to contribute to the professional development of the officer corps and to the development of strategic thought and military strategy as a lecturer, visiting professor, columnist, editor, and commentator. When Harry Summers testified before the House Armed Services Committee in December 1990 before Operation Desert Storm, he reemphasized the need for clarity of purpose and the relation of means to objective as this House wrestled with the decision to go to war against Iraq and commit U.S. military forces to protect the vital interests of the United States. He appeared before the committee again as we reviewed what happened to U.S. forces in Somalia in 1994 and provided valuable insights on the relation of military force and commitment to our national objectives and commitment in that country. Harry Summers was justifiably proud of his sons and their service as Army officers and of his daughter-in-law who served as a warrant officer in the Persian Gulf War. In all this, he was supported by his wife, Eloise. My good friend, Floyd Spence, the chairman of the House Armed Services, joins me in sending our sympathies to them at this time. Colonel Harry Summers made a tremendous contribution to the rebirth of the study of military strategy and to the professional military education of our armed forces, and that legacy lives on after him. His commitment to the Nation and the Army that he loved was unstinting. The Nation and the Army are poorer for his passing.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. SKELTON. And the purpose of this is to comply with the Constitution to state that it originates in the House; is that correct?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, the bill of which the gentleman speaks, has that been previously passed here in the House?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SKELTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this matter is more than a matter of convenience to the Members. This is a matter of whether we, as elected leaders of our country, have the opportunity to honor the veterans of this Nation. Airplanes leave this afternoon or this evening. We will not be in session tomorrow, as the gentleman from Texas said, but little good does it do us if there are no airplanes to take us to Missouri or Texas or California. I would like very, very much to be with my neighbors, my friends, and deliver what few remarks I may have to those veterans who have given so much. I think it is a matter of priority that we do that, and that we make that decision now.