[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 59 (Friday, May 13, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                            DONALD J. ATWOOD

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, it was with great sadness that I learned 
last week of the untimely death of Donald J. Atwood, Jr., who served as 
Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1989-1992 during the Bush 
administration. I want to express my condolences to his wife Sue and 
his children Susan and Jesse.
  Don Atwood served with distinction as deputy to Secretary of Defense 
Dick Cheney during a challenging period of our Nation's history. The 
deputy traditionally is the manager of the Department of Defense, and 
Don Atwood devoted himself to mastering the complex operations of that 
huge organization. Don initiated many of the management reforms 
associated with Secretary Cheney's Defense management review, and then 
took charge of a vigorous followup effort to ensure that the reforms 
were actually implemented. During the Persian Gulf war, he worked long 
hours to ensure the proper flow of equipment and supplies to our troops 
in uniform in the field.
  Don was born in Haverhill, MA, and was a graduate of the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served with the Army during 
World War II, an experience that he frequently referred to and which 
gave him a keen appreciation of the needs of our men and women in 
uniform. He served for many years as a senior executive with the 
General Motors Corp. In addition, he was active in many civic, 
charitable, and cultural organizations.
  As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I had the 
opportunity to work with Don on a wide variety of issues, ranging from 
acquisition policy to oversight of the military promotion selection 
process. He was always forthcoming, candid, and devoted to the best 
interests of the national defense. We will miss the opportunity to 
benefit from his wise counsel and experience as we proceed through the 
challenges of the Defense build-down.

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