[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 206 (Thursday, December 21, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. NOLAN SKLUTE, RETIRING JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL, 
                             U.S. AIR FORCE

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 1995

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention 
today the exemplary work and splendid public service of one of our 
country's outstanding military leaders, Maj. Gen. Nolan Sklute, the 
Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Air Force. General Sklute will be 
retiring after an especially distinguished military career on February 
1.
  General Sklute completed the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps 
Program in 1962 and entered active duty after completing law school in 
1966. His assignments include Luke AFB, AZ; Athenai Airport, Greece; 
chief, general litigation branch, litigation division, headquarters, 
U.S. Air Force; staff judge advocate March AFB, CA; staff judge 
advocate, Bitburg AB, West Germany; deputy chief, claims and tort 
litigation division, headquarters, U.S. Air Force; executive to the 
Judge Advocate General; director of civil law, headquarters, U.S. Air 
Force; staff judge advocate, Air Force Logistics Command, and 
commander, Air Force Contract Law Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force 
Base, OH; Deputy Judge Advocate General, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force; 
and finally, the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Air Force.
  He received a bachelor of arts degree from Union College, 
Schenectady, NY, in 1962, and a juris doctor in 1965 from Cornell 
University School of Law, New York. He is a graduate of the National 
War College, the Armed Forces Staff College, Squadron Officer School, 
and earned his master of laws degree in government contracts from the 
National Law Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC. 
General Sklute is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the 
United States; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; U.S. 
District Court, Northern District of New York; and the New York State 
courts. General Sklute's military decorations include the Distinguished 
Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with one 
oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf 
clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
  Since 1993, General Sklute has served as the Judge Advocate General 
of the Air Force. In that capacity, he has provided dynamic leadership 
and professional supervision for over 2,900 military and civilian 
lawyers, paralegals, and support personnel. During this time of 
unprecedented legal challenges, General Sklute's dynamic leadership, 
sound judgment, personal and professional integrity and unwavering 
dedication to duty were instrumental in the successful resolution of 
numerous difficult issues facing the U.S. Air Force. As a key and 
trusted advisor to two Chiefs of Staff, his sound, timely and cogent 
advice was a critical component in a host of complex issues with a 
multitude of dimensions.
  General Sklute's early recognition of the legal implications of 
information warfare has placed the Air Force in the forefront of this 
new arena. As a prime mover in the coordination of international 
education and training efforts, he established a joint service 
committee to foster democratic principles in fledgling democracies. 
Under his leadership, the Air Force continues to access extremely 
talented lawyers and paralegals. He has been instrumental in expanding 
the role of Air Force paralegals, empowering them by shifting 
responsibility and authority to the lowest possible level. General 
Sklute has also spearheaded the enhanced integration of active duty and 
Air Reserve component judge advocates.
  Perhaps General Sklute's greatest legacy will be his unrelenting 
focus on the need for greater emphasis on leadership and 
accountability. These efforts are already paying significant dividends 
to the Air Force worldwide. This continuing effort underscored and 
reinforced the vital importance of Air Force's core values at all 
levels of command.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you joint me, our colleagues and General 
Sklute's many friends in saluting this distinguished officer's many 
years of selfless service to the United States of America. I know our 
Nation, his wife Linda, daughter Stephanie and son Larry, are extremely 
proud of his accomplishments. It is fitting that the House of 
Representatives honors him today.

                          ____________________