[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. JOHN M. MOLINO

 Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the dedication, 
public service, and patriotism of Lt. Col. John M. Molino, U.S. Army, 
on the occasion of his retirement after 20 years of faithful service to 
our Nation. Colonel Molino's powerful contribution to personnel policy 
helped construct the highest quality military force in the history of 
our armed services. His strong commitment to excellence will leave a 
lasting impact on the vitality of our modern warfighters, commanding 
admiration, and respect from his military colleagues and Members of 
Congress.
  Colonel Molino is a native of New York City. He was graduated from 
Saint Peter's College, Jersey City, NJ, and was commissioned a second 
lieutenant in the U.S. Army in May 1974. In his first duty assignment, 
Colonel Molino served as the executive officer in a basic training 
company at Fort Knox, KY. While at Fort Knox, he also served as 
battalion operations officer and chief of protocol. From the earliest 
days of his career, Colonel Molino displayed extraordinary commitment 
to the care and nurturing of young troops. These powerful traits served 
as the basis for the success he would enjoy later in his career.
  As a plans officer in the mobilization branch at the Reserve 
Components Personnel Center, St. Louis, MO, in 1979, Colonel Molino 
helped craft a system for the recall of retirees in the event of 
national emergency. This innovative system was eventually used during 
Operation Desert Storm. After receiving his masters degree in 1981, he 
served for 3 years in the 25th Infantry Division, Hawaii, as the chief 
of personnel management and, later, as the chief of military personnel 
actions. In this capacity, Colonel Molino was responsible for virtually 
all personnel actions for 10,000 people. While with the 25th, he 
developed a revolutionary program to encourage the reenlistment of only 
the most qualified soldiers. The Army touted this highly effective 
program as the best of its kind.
  With a 1984 assignment to the Army's personnel center, Colonel Molino 
began an extended tour of duty in the Washington, DC area. This crucial 
period is characterized by assignments of increased responsibility on 
the staff of the Joint Chiefs, the Office of the Secretary of the Army, 
and finally, the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
  Most recently, Colonel Molino was assigned as the special assistant 
for personnel and reserve affairs, in the Office of the Secretary of 
Defense [legislative affairs]. He served as the focal point for 
communication between the Department of Defense and the Congress on 
policies relating to personnel; compensation and benefits; morale, 
welfare, and recreation; family services; and training and education. 
In this critical position, Colonel Molino's consummate leadership, 
intellect, and integrity ensured clear communication between these two 
preeminent institutions. Working closely with the Congress, Colonel 
Molino helped obtain necessary House and Senate approval for vital 
personnel programs, directly contributing to future readiness and 
success of our troops in the field.
  Colonel Molino's awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the army 
Commendation Medal, and the Army Superior Unit Award. The colonel has 
also earned identification badges from the Office of the Secretary of 
Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Army General Staff. 
Additionally, during his Army career, Colonel Molino was also graduated 
from the Armed Forces Staff College and completed the Adjutant 
General's Officer Advanced Course and the Armor Officer Basic Course.
  Our Nation, the U.S. Army, his wife Eileen, and sons Bill, Chris, and 
Matthew, can truly be proud of the colonel's many accomplishments. A 
man of his extraordinary talent and integrity is rare indeed. While his 
honorable service will be genuinely missed in the Department of 
Defense, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Colonel Molino before 
my colleagues and wish him all of our best wishes in his new and 
exciting career.

                          ____________________