[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 18 (Monday, January 30, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          ``MAJOR MOM''--A TRIBUTE TO MAJOR DEBRA BIELY, USMC

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, Congressional fellows are an integral part 
of our business here on Capitol Hill. They come from throughout the 
executive branch and bring a wealth of expertise and perspective to 
their work.
  The most recent fellow to serve in my office was not only an 
outstanding addition to the staff for nearly 2 years, but was rather 
unique to us in that she was a major in the U.S. Marine Corps. She was 
also a dedicated mother of two, and became affectionately known among 
the staff as ``Major Mom.''
  Maj. Debra Biely is a dedicated, intelligent, and extremely 
articulate professional who quickly became a valued and trusted member 
of my legislative staff. As a military LA, she worked on the full range 
of issues relating to national defense and the space program. Her years 
of experience as a Marine officer, together with her in-depth 
understanding of the programming and budgeting process, were always 
evident in the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of her work.
  Major Biely always provided me and my permanent staff with sound, 
thoughtful analysis of often complex national security issues. She 
briefed me on such issues as United Nations peacekeeping efforts, the 
use of Armed Forces in Bosnia, the Marines in Somalia, and the 
operational control of American forces in international coalitions.
  I learned to completely trust her judgment. She often represented me 
in meetings with constituents, defense contractors, veterans groups, 
and military program managers. In so doing, Debra was an impressive 
representative of the Marine Corps to a broad spectrum of people, both 
within and outside the Government.
  She is an excellent writer and researcher. Debra's work during the 
1993 Base Closure Commission hearings proved invaluable as she helped 
prepare me to protect the Nation's only live-agent chemical training 
facility. She assisted in getting several major programs through the 
authorization and appropriations processes.
  Yes, Maj. Debra Biely is the consummate military professional, and 
conducted herself as such while serving in my office. But she is also a 
warm, friendly, and outgoing person, who come to be emulated by the 
rest of my staff. This ``Major Mom'' is also thoroughly and completely 
devoted to her husband and children, and we often marveled at how she 
could do such a superb job in the office and still devote so much of 
herself to her family. She was also a tremendous follower of current 
events, and often was the first to know of major stories in the news. I 
should add that ``Major Mom'' only recently completed her master of 
business administration degree. She truly is one of those modern women 
who
 manage to do it all and do all of it well.

  Perhaps what we will remember most about Debra's work, and what I 
personally appreciate the most, is her leadership in the battle to save 
the International Space Station. She proved to be a committed and 
tireless worker on this important cause. Her persistent efforts helped 
pave the way for an overwhelming vote of support for the station in 
this body. She was recognized by Vice President Gore for her efforts in 
this regard.
  In short, we were fortunate to have Debra on our staff, and, frankly, 
I wish she could have stayed longer. Her demonstration of loyalty, 
integrity, and commitment all reflected well on the U.S. Marine Corps, 
indeed on the entire Armed Forces of our country. Major Biely is a 
shining example of the quality and professionalism that characterize 
the ranks of our military personnel today, as well as a significant 
reminder of the important role that women play in our national defense.

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