[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        RETIREMENT OF CAPT. HENRY S. PALAU, U.S. NAVY (RETIRED)

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I would like to take this occasion 
to recognize the distinguished career of Capt. Henry S. Palau, U.S. 
Navy, retired. In one capacity or another, Captain Palau has spent his 
entire life either in or working for the military, and he has served 
his country and the military with distinction.
  Born in Danbury, CT, in 1929, Captain Palau received a bachelor of 
arts degree from Trinity College, Hartford, CT, in 1950. Shortly after 
receiving an LL.B. from Boston University in 1953, he entered the Navy 
and served his initial tour of duty as communications officer and 
antisubmarine warfare officer aboard the U.S.S. Gatling [DD671].
  In 1957, he served as assistant force legal officer on the staff of 
commander, destroyer force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. His other duty 
stations have included an assignment at Naval Station, Charleston, SC, 
and service as head, civil and international law branch, Office of the 
Staff Judge Advocate, United States Military Assistance Command, 
Vietnam. Following his Vietnam tour, he attended the college of naval 
command and staff at the Naval War College. Subsequent tours included 
special assistant to the Judge Advocate General and Director of 
Military Personnel, Office of the Judge Advocate, United States Naval 
Forces, Japan, and Director, United States Law Center, Yokosuka, Japan. 
In 1974, Captain Palau returned to Washington as director of 
legislation, Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, serving until August 
1975 when he became the Assistant Judge Advocate General of the Navy 
[Military Personnel and Management] where he served until his 
retirement in September 1977.
  Captain Palau's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, 
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and a 
meritorious unit citation.
  Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1977, Captain Palau joined the 
staff of the National Headquarters of the Retired Officers Association 
[TROA] as legal counsel and assistant legislative counsel.
  His arrival at TROA coincided with a phenomenon aptly named the 
``hemorrhage of talent'' which plagued the armed forces in the late 
1970's and resulted in the ``hallow'' Army, ``unmanned'' Navy and 
``pilotless'' Air Force. Captain Palau was more than equal to the 
challenge and was a pillar of dependability in his association's 
efforts to salvage the all volunteer force--an effort that culminated 
in restoration of adequate levels of military compensation and the 
resurgence of patriotism in this Nation.
  It is often said that the measure of leadership is not limited to an 
individual's singular accomplishments but extends more broadly to the 
impact on the environment in which he works and on those around him. In 
this context, Henry Palau has been, in every sense of the word, a 
leader. On several occasions, too numerous to count, he has been in the 
vanguard of some of our Nation's most challenging military personnel 
issues.
  Ironically, few of the members of Captain Palau represented know him 
by name or realize the debt of gratitude they owe him. By paying 
tribute to him today, I hope to provide formal recognition for his 
legislative achievements and note for posterity his painstaking efforts 
on such issues as reducing the survivor benefit plans social security 
offset to make the plan more attractive and increase participation; to 
thwart countless efforts to diminish other military benefits, and to 
resist efforts to abrogate commitments to military retirees by 
reducing, capping, or delaying their cost-of-living adjustments. 
Additionally, he was at the forefront of a strong counter movement to 
preclude the unionization of the Armed Forces and to prevent States 
from illegally taxing military retired pay.
  He became the association general counsel in 1981 and was elected to 
the position of national secretary in 1985. Thankfully, even though 
Henry Palau may be officially retiring, his legacy of recognizing that 
responsive and dedicated people are the most significant elements of 
the defense equation will continue.
  Mr. President, Capt. Henry Palau is, and will continue to be, a true 
leader and sage adviser. He will be sorely missed upon his retirement, 
and on behalf of myself and his many friends, I wish him ``fair winds 
and a following sea.''

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