[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 124 (Friday, July 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. JAMES J. CRAVENS, JR.

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                         HON. RONALD D. COLEMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 1995
  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man that 
has served as Commanding General at Fort Bliss, TX for the past 2 years 
with distinction, Maj. Gen. James J. Cravens, Jr. He is highly regarded 
as an outstanding leader, and maintained Fort Bliss' reputation as a 
good neighbor to El Paso.
  General Cravens has served his country since 1966 when he was 
commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Artillery upon graduation from 
North Georgia College where he received a bachelor of science degree in 
business administration. He also holds a master of science degree from 
Clemson University.
  His military education includes the Air Defense Artillery Officers 
Basic Course, the Air Defense Artillery Officers' Advanced Course, the 
Army Command and General Staff College, and the National War College.
  General Cravens' military decorations and awards include the Legion 
of Merit (with two Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf 
Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters), Army 
Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Parachutist Badge, 
Pathfinder Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge.
  As Commanding General of the Air Defense Artillery Center at Fort 
Bliss, General Cravens has overseen the instruction of air defense 
artillery students from all over the world. The ADA School trains air 
defenders, develops air defense doctrine, and defines air defense 
equipment requirements. As you know, Mr. Speaker, some of the school's 
graduates distinguished themselves operating the Patriot Missile during 
Operation Desert Storm when the allied forces fought off various SCUD 
missile attacks from the country of Iraq.
  When James Cravens assumed his command at Fort Bliss, I found him to 
be a man of integrity and great talent. He quickly captured the 
affection of El Pasoans with his unyielding quest to produce the finest 
air defense specialists in the world. The overwhelming skill and 
superiority that our air defense forces displayed in Operation Desert 
Storm is due in large part to the intense training they received at the 
ADA School at Fort Bliss.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to wish my friend, James Cravens, all the 
best as he prepares to assume his next assignment as Deputy Chief of 
Staff for Combat Development at Fort Monroe, VA. It has been a pleasure 
to work with General Cravens to ensure that Fort Bliss continues to 
live up to its motto, ``First to Fire.'' General Cravens, his lovely 
wife, Joe Beth, and his children, Jay and Tonya, will be sorely missed.


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