[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 115 (Monday, July 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. MICHAEL J. LEPPER

                                 ______


                           HON. GREG LAUGHLIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 17, 1995
  Mr. LAUGHLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lt. Col. Michael 
J. Lepper for his distinguished and exemplary service to the U.S. Air 
Force and this great Nation as Deputy Chief of the House Liaison Office 
from March 29, 1993, to July 5, 1995. In this capacity, Mike has 
excelled in providing the House of Representatives with outstanding 
service and unselfish commitment above and beyond the call of duty. He 
quickly established a solid reputation with both Members and staff, 
displaying his extensive knowledge of Air Force programs and issues, as 
well as national defense strategy. As a highly trained and experienced 
fighter pilot, I can think of no one who has provided better guidance, 
advice, and real-world expertise on a wide array of aerospace and other 
national security issues than Mike Lepper. His intelligence, charm, 
keen wit, and can-do attitude have made an indelible impact on us. He 
has aided us immeasurably in our day-to-day operations, and his 
effectiveness on Capitol Hill is legendary. No one has a better feel 
for the congressional pulse. In the challenging arena of international 
travel, Mike has always been the military escort of choice. He was 
brilliant in planning, organizing, and executing numerous congressional 
delegation trips to virtually every corner of the Earth. Having 
personally traveled with Mike, he has a way of making the difficult 
look effortless, and the impossible a reality. Because of Mike's 
credibility and goodwill, the Air Force and the Department of Defense 
will long reap the benefits of his tenure on the Hill. My colleagues 
and I bid a fond farewell to Lt. Col. Mike Lepper and his wife, Joanne, 
and wish them continued success in their next assignment at National 
War College.


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