[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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

 
TRIBUTE TO COL. HARRY A. SPANNAUS UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS THE EXECUTIVE 
       VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PERMIAN BASIN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

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                           HON. LARRY COMBEST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a good friend and 
great American, Col. Harry A. Spannaus. Colonel Spannaus is retiring as 
executive vice president of Permian Basin Petroleum Association [PBPA].
  Prior to being the executive vice president of PBPA, Colonel Spannaus 
served his country for 26 years as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air 
Force. In his 26 years, he accumulated over 9,000 hours of single 
engine and fighter time, serving over 12 of those years in foreign 
countries. While serving in Korea and Southeast Asia, he flew 222 
combat missions over hostile territories.
  Colonel Spannaus was awarded over 40 declarations for distinguished 
combat flight and exemplary service to his country. These awards 
include two Legion of Merits, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, sixteen 
Air Medals, the Bronze Star with valor, and many other awards and 
declarations.
  After his 26 years in the military, Colonel Spannaus worked for 
Hilliard Oil and Gas as a corporate pilot. He then went to work for 
PBPA, where he was known as an aggressive, up-front spokesman for the 
domestic oil and gas industry that had a strong sense of dedication to 
the petroleum industry, his friends, and family.
  During his tenure at the helm of PBPA, he oversaw enormous growth in 
membership and activity. Spannaus built the PBPA into a formidable 
force to be reckoned with both in Austin and Washington, DC. I was 
pleased to join forces with Spannaus and PBPA in defeating numerous 
burdensome proposals to our domestic energy producers.
  I wish Colonel Spannaus well in his future endeavors. I am sure that 
he will do well in any capacity in which he chooses to serve. I, too, 
would like to congratulate Spannaus on his recent appointment to the 
Interstate Oil and Gas Commission by Texas Gov. Ann Richards. His 
leadership and counsel will be missed, however, his departure from PBPA 
will be the Commission's gain.

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