[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4874-S4875]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ROBERT BELOUS

 Mr. JOHNSTON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
outstanding contributions of Robert Belous who, since January 1991, has 
served as the superintendent of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park 
and Preserve in Louisiana. Bob is retiring from the Park Service after 
more than 25 years of service and we in Louisiana will miss him very 
much.
  Bob Belous has been an outstanding park superintendent and public 
servant. He has enthusiastically embraced a number of innovative and 
creative

[[Page S4875]]

projects and programs related to the Jean Lafitte National Historical 
Park and Preserve. In addition, he has been very active and helpful in 
the creation and early beginnings of our newest park units in 
Louisiana, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and the Cane 
River National Historical Park and Heritage Area.
  Mr. President, Jean Lafitte is a very unique park unit. It's like a 
wheel with many spokes. Jean Lafitte consists of a French Quarter unit; 
the Barataria marsh unit, Chalmette, the site of the Battle of New 
Orleans in 1815; and two Cajun cultural centers in Eunice and 
Thibodaux, LA, that interpret Cajun history. This type of park is very 
difficult to administer. It takes a dedicated person of many interests, 
skills, and talents to bring together these diverse elements and 
resources into a coherent whole. Not only has Bob managed to accomplish 
this difficult task, but he has done it with flair and good humor.
  Over the years, Bob Belous has always been available to provide 
assistance to me and my staff here in Washington as well as my offices 
in Louisiana, especially my New Orleans office. He has always provided 
us with sound professional advice and counsel. I know I speak for many 
people in Louisiana and all over the country when I wish Bob well in 
his retirement from the Park Service and thank him for his many 
contributions to our National Park System.

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