[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 110 (Wednesday, August 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              A TRIBUTE TO GENERAL AND MRS. RUSSELL SUTTON

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 10, 1994

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of two 
extraordinary individuals, Brigadier General and Mrs. Russell Sutton, 
of Twentynine Palms, CA. Since June 1992, General and Mrs. Sutton have 
developed and championed a remarkably close relationship between the 
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms and the city 
of Twentynine Palms and other communities in the Morongo Basin. After a 
distinguished military career spanning 30 years, General Sutton is 
retiring and will be presented with the Distinguished Service Medal at 
his retirement ceremony by General Mundy, Commandant of the U.S. Marine 
Corps.
  General Sutton was born in Nashville, TN, and graduated from the 
University of Alabama with a MS degree in physical education, and was 
commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1964. During 
the course of his long and distinguished career, General Sutton has 
been promoted extensively while serving tours of duty in Vietnam, the 
United Kingdom, Malta, Korea, and Thailand, as well as numerous 
locations throughout the United States.
  General Sutton has been widely decorated during his career, having 
received a Bronze Star medal with Combat V and three gold stars; Purple 
Heart with gold star; Defense Meritorious Medal; Meritorious Service 
Medal; Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with 
Combat V; and the Combat Action Ribbon.
  Sutton was named commanding general of the Marine Corps Air Ground 
Combat Center in June 1992. During his command, he has made significant 
contributions to personnel at the combat center as well as citizens of 
the local community. Major successful efforts have also been made 
toward improving military training, the quality of life, environmental 
affairs, family services, and community relations.
  Since arriving in Twentynine Palms, General Sutton and his wife, 
Linda, have worked together as a team playing an extraordinary role in 
building bridges and strengthening ties between the combat center and 
the local community. Their active involvement with the local chamber of 
commerce, Pioneer Days, and other worthwhile local charities and 
activities has been well received by people both on and off the base.
  According to the local newspaper, the Twentynine Palms Desert Trail, 
``With Brig. General Sutton at the helm of the Combat Center, 
relationships between the community and the base are undoubtedly 
bright. Both the general and his wife should be commended for 
recognizing and being leaders in the whole community--not just the 
military side, but the civilian side as well.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and the Sutton's 
many dear friends in recognizing their outstanding work and selfless 
contributions. During their time in Twentynine Palms, General and Mrs. 
Sutton have touched the lives of many people in our community and it is 
only fitting that the House honor them both today.

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