[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 27, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      GENERAL J. GARY COOPER'S NOMINATION AS AMBASSADOR TO JAMAICA

  Mr. HEFLIN. Madam President, I rise today in strong support of the 
nomination of Mobile, AL businessman and retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. 
J. Gary Cooper as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica. General 
Cooper has shown through his long career of military and public service 
that he is an excellent choice for this diplomatic assignment.
  In 1958, after earning his degree from the University of Notre Dame, 
the young Gary Cooper entered the marines. Over the next 30 years, he 
rose from the rank of second lieutenant to major general. As a captain 
in Vietnam, he led a rifle company and was wounded twice. He received 
Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and four Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry 
for his leadership and bravery in combat. In 1969, General Cooper 
returned to Mobile to run his family's business. Meanwhile, he remained 
active in the Marine Reserves.
  Back Alabama, General Cooper diligently resumed his commitment to 
public service in the political arena. He sat in the Alabama House of 
Representatives from 1974 to 1978. He then became Commissioner of the 
Alabama Department of Human Resources under Governor Fob James. He did 
an excellent job as commissioner, a post he filled until 1981.
  In 1988, General Cooper was promoted to the rank of major general in 
the Reserves and directed Marine Corps recruitment until his retirement 
from military service. He was chosen in 1989 as Assistant Secretary of 
the Air Force for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations, and 
Environment. In this Pentagon post, he played a key role in the 
military preparations for the Persian Gulf war and once again proved 
his competence, leadership, and devotion to this country.
   General Cooper is currently a senior vice president for David 
Volkert and Associates consulting engineers and board chairman for 
Commonwealth National Bank. His experience spans over three decades in 
the public service arena. I am certain that he is qualified in every 
respect for the position of Ambassador to Jamaica.
  I am proud to support General Cooper for this important post, and 
know that he will prove to be a capable and effective United States 
Ambassador to Jamaica.

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