[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]

 
                    THE RETIREMENT OF HORACE CROUCH

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
is not only my good friend, but also my brother-in-law, Col. Horace J. 
Crouch.
  Horace is an individual of many admirable qualities and someone who I 
truly hold in high esteem. His optimistic and positive outlook on life, 
coupled with his generous and outgoing personality, have forever 
endeared him to the countless number of people he has befriended over 
the years.
  A hard-working and dedicated man, Horace has accomplished many 
impressive things in a life dedicated to public service. Horace's 
career in government began after his graduation from Clemson 
University, when he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as an infantry 
officer. He eventually earned the rank of Colonel, led troops in 
combat, and served as a commander in our Nation's most illustrious 
military unit, the 82d Airborne Division. Additionally, he became an 
engineer officer; learned to pilot helicopters and airplanes as his 
additional duty and logged more than 5,000 hours of air time; and, 
served as a staff officer with the Office of Chief of Research and 
Development, Department of the Army.
  After a distinguished military career of 30 years, most people would 
be happy to quietly enjoy their retirement; however, such a lifestyle 
simply did not suit a man with Horace's energy and drive and he began 
working at the Small Business Administration. From there, he found 
himself back at the Pentagon, this time serving as the Deputy Director, 
and later, the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged 
Business Utilization, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Acquisition.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Horace and his family for almost 
50 years. I married his sister, Jean Crouch, in the first year of my 
term as Governor of South Carolina. Jean was a beautiful and caring 
young woman who made an outstanding First Lady of our State. Horace 
also has two other siblings; a brother, residing in Frederick, MD, who 
is a respected and skilled Urologist; and a sister, Mrs. David Kennedy, 
of Williston, SC. Additionally, he and his lovely wife, the former 
Bernice Brown, are the proud parents of one son, J. Crouch, who is on 
the staff of the University of South Carolina.
  Mr. President, Horace Crouch has selflessly given to this Nation 
throughout his whole life and never asked for anything in return. His 
dedication and love for the United States is above question and I only 
wish that there were more citizens as committed to the welfare, 
protection, and prosperity of this Nation as he. I know that we are all 
grateful for his many contributions and wish he and his family health 
and happiness in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________