[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   RETIREMENT OF TRAVIS B. KUYKENDALL

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD D. COLEMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 1995
  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Travis B. 
Kuykendall on the occasion of his retirement which became effective 
June 30, 1995. I am especially indebted to this individual because he 
has dedicated the past 5 years of his life as Assistant Special Agent 
in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, El Paso Sector.
  Mr. Kuykendall, a native Texan, had a 33-year career in law 
enforcement which was distinguished by his decency, commitment to the 
principles of justice, and his concern for his community. Of the 33 
years, he served 29 of those years at the Federal level.
  He began his law enforcement career in 1962 as chief deputy sheriff 
of Maverick County, TX. In 1966, he began his Federal law enforcement 
career as a Special Agent for the Customs Service. In 1973, he 
transferred to the Drug Enforcement Administration where he served in 
various capacities culminating with his appointment in El Paso.
  In 1990, Mr. Kuykendall was appointed as Assistant Agent in Charge of 
the Drug Enforcement Administration for the El Paso Sector. As a 
Federal law enforcement agent, Mr. Kuykendall has participated in 
various high-level drug enforcement operations including Operation 
Intercept, Operation Clearview, Operation Falcon, Operation Snowcap, 
and the restoration of democratic government in Panama after Operation 
Just Cause.
  During his tenure in El Paso, Mr. Kuykendall faced an extraordinary 
challenge: dramatic increases in drug trafficking across the 
southwestern border while losing resources due to budget constraints. 
He rose to the occasion, and displayed courage, fortitude, and 
leadership. I was always proud to work with him.
  Travis Kuykendall has two grown children, Travis and Vanessa, and a 
patient and supportive wife, Raquel. I am sure he will continue to be 
active in his community in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to an 
outstanding American, a devoted public servant, and a family man.


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