[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             TRIBUTE TO GEN. WILLIAM KEYS ON HIS RETIREMENT

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, on July 8, the U.S. Marine Corps will hold 
a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune that will leave a vacuum 
in its wake. The Corps and our Nation will say hail and farewell to one 
of the finest leaders in its ranks: Gen. William Keys.
  Bill Keys has served his country as a Marine for 34 years. What a 
remarkable accomplishment. Any individual who survives over three 
decades of drinking Marine coffee, well known for its distinctive CLP 
oil taste, deserves accolades, if not an eulogy.
  In all seriousness, General Keys' career is marked with a long list 
of accomplishments in the Marine Corps that is second to none. 
Beginning his illustrious career as an infantry officer, General Keys 
served at every level of operational command, from a platoon leader 
with the 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, to commanding general of the 
2d Marine Division which participated in the successful assault across 
the Kuwaiti border during Operation Desert Storm.
  The stellar military career of Bill Keys is well documented by the 
many decorations and medals he has received. The list is too long to 
read on the floor today, but the honors include the Navy Cross, the 
Distinguished Service Medal, and the Silver Star.
  Mr. President, medals are an important token of accomplishment, but 
they cannot fully express the gratitude this country has for the 
leadership and service Bill Keys has provided to his country. The 
Marine Corps has been an invaluable part of his life. But Bill Keys is 
the type of person who gives back even more than has been given to him.
  Yes, he grew up with the corps but, more important, the corps grew 
with his leadership.
  I first met General Keys through his association with one of my very 
best friends, Richard Torykian. Mr. Torykian and I have known each 
other since we were teenagers in college. I have a lot of respect for 
Dick Torykian. He frequently spoke to me about his relationship with 
General Keys, whom he had known in the Marine Corps. After listening to 
the unstinting praise that Dick had for General Keys, I was already 
predisposed to Bill Keys him when I first met him. I actually first met 
him while visiting my own son, Mark, on Parris Island, who was just 
beginning his own career in the Marine Corps.
  During Desert Storm I could not help but think how fortunate this 
country was to have a man of General Keys' abilities in a command 
position. I knew Bill Keys was somebody who would always put the 
interests of the United States, the interests of those under his 
command, and the interests of the Marine Corps first and foremost. I 
was confident that he would have no agenda other than the honor that 
accompanies his own oath of office.
  Bill Keys will be retiring in a few days, but his service to the 
corps is not complete. I know his advice and counsel will continue to 
be relentlessly sought out by the corps. Marcelle and I wish him the 
best. We know he is going to excel in whatever endeavors he takes on in 
the future.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to make a statement as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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