[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 50 (Thursday, April 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DAVE HARRIS

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, earlier this year, Dave Harris retired 
from his position as head of the public affairs office for Redstone 
Arsenal and the Army Missile Command in Huntsville, AL. He was a 
dedicated and outstanding public servant for 33 years.
  An editorial which appeared in The Huntsville Times at that time 
discusses his career and the characteristics which make him a truly 
unique individual and pleasure with which to work. I ask unanimous 
consent that a copy of the editorial, ``One Who Made a Difference,'' be 
printed in the Record following my remarks.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. without objection, it is so ordered
  (See Exhibit 1.)
  Mr. HEFLIN. I commend and congratulate Dave Harris for all his 
accomplishments and hard work on behalf of the Army over the years, and 
hope he is enjoying his well-earned retirement.

                               Exhibit 1

              [The Huntsville Times, Friday, Dec. 8, 1995]

                       One Who Made a Difference

       There are a handful of people who make a difference in any 
     community. They're usually visible personalities like 
     government or community leaders, businessmen or clergy. Dave 
     Harris has made an impact behind the scenes for 33 years.
       Harris, 65, will retire Jan. 3 as the head of the public-
     affairs office for Redstone Arsenal and the Army Missile 
     Command. During that time, he's been a trusted source of 
     information for the media on subjects ranging from high-tech 
     missiles to traffic accidents. He's also been a trusted 
     source for Army employees, squelching unfounded rumors that 
     could affect morale or raising legitimate concerns to 
     management's attention.
       Less well known has been his role as adviser to Redstone 
     commanders, project managers and community leaders on matters 
     of importance to each.
       Harris is uncommon partly because he has been at the same 
     job for so long. He knows who to call for answers. He has a 
     historical perspective on weapons development and the 
     community and knows how to put both in the proper context for 
     generals, soldiers, civil servants and citizens.
       Very few media spokespersons today have any actual media 
     experience. Harris worked for a newspaper. He is a skilled 
     writer and knows how a story will play. He not only 
     understands reporters and tolerates their eccentricities, he 
     likes working with them. Those qualities make news stories 
     more accurate and cast the Army in a more positive light.
       He has believed in what his Army was doing at Redstone 
     Arsenal. Generals to whom Harris reported describe him as 
     ``the heart and soul'' and ``conscience and ombudsman'' of 
     the command.
       Dave Harris possesses intelligence, honesty, integrity, 
     common sense, a sense of duty and responsibility, and a long-
     standing reputation for all the above. He will be difficult 
     to replace.

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