[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E931]]


      MAJ. GEN. RANDOLPH W. HOUSE, WENTWORTH COMMISSIONING SPEECH

                                 ______


                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 29, 1996

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, on May 11, 1996, Maj. Gen. Randolph W. 
House gave the commissioning ceremony speech at Wentworth Military 
Academy in Lexington, MO. His impressive address should be preserved, 
and I include herewith a condensed version.
  Major General House was the brigade commander of the Blackhawk 
brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, which received the Valorous Unit Award 
in the Persian Gulf conflict as a result of the deception attack into 
Iraq on February 20, 1991.

 Maj. Gen. Randolph W. House, Wentworth Military Academy Commissioning 
                                Ceremony

       I'd like to begin my remarks by emphasizing that it is 
     indeed an honor and privilege to address you here today as 
     you embark on the next phase of your military career.
       What a sharp looking group of new lieutenants and cadets 
     you are. I'll try to keep that keen, sharp look in your eyes 
     by keeping these remarks brief and to the point.
       It is great to be here in historic Lexington, Missouri, the 
     scene of the famous ``Battle of the Hemp Bales'' in 1861. It 
     is a humbling experience to walk the ground where brave 
     soldiers struggled and were willing to die for what they 
     believed in.
       President Harry Truman said time and again that a nation 
     that forgot its own history was in trouble, and he added, 
     ``The only thing new under the sun is the history you haven't 
     learned yet.''
       I appreciate the opportunity to come to a school where our 
     nation's great military heritage walks hand-in-hand with the 
     present and future.
       And today history is being made as Wentworth commissions 
     its first four female cadets as second lieutenants. That's 
     historic. That's outstanding. Congratulations to each of you.
       Soon you will be platoon leaders in charge of America's 
     soldiers. General Reimer, the Chief of Staff of our Army, 
     tells an account of a group of captured German soldiers 
     during WWII asking their American captors for their 
     credentials before they would surrender. The American 
     officer, pointing to the American soldiers present, said: 
     ``These are our credentials.'' Today this still holds true. 
     Soldiers are our credentials. I charge you today to go forth 
     and lead them every day with this in mind.
       Now, you don't have to believe everything I say here today 
     but, you better believe that I believe it. I'm going to give 
     you my best shot from my foxhole.
       Each of you stands on the threshold of a great adventure. 
     Your career in the Army is not a destination but rather a 
     terrific journey.
       As you will soon find out, military service is much more 
     than just a job. It is a calling, a way of life. General 
     Douglas MacArthur once said, it is a calling that can be 
     summed up in three words, ``Duty, honor and country.''
       There can be no doubt that it takes a special breed of men 
     and women to lead today's soldiers.
       It is vitally important that these leaders remain focused 
     on the reason our army exists . . . to fight and win our 
     nation's wars. If we can do that, everything else we are 
     asked to do such as fighting forest fires, peacekeeping, 
     humanitarian relief missions and drug suppression missions, 
     is easy.
       I believe the ability to fight and win our nation's wars, 
     rests on three pillars: discipline, competence and 
     leadership.
       At Fort Riley I have four expectations of leaders: First: 
     Accomplish all missions to best of abilities and to agreed 
     upon standards.
       Second: Genuine compassion for soldiers.
       Third: Develop next generation's leaders.
       Fourth: Where ever you are assigned leave that place better 
     than you found it.
       As I said a few moments ago, each of you stand on the edge 
     of a truly great adventure and I envy you for that. Soon you 
     will be entrusted with the greatest treasure our nation has 
     to offer, her sons and daughters. Do not take that charge 
     lightly.
       Always remain focused on the real reason we are here 
     serving as the sword and shield of our great republic--to 
     defend our nation--to fight and win our nation's wars.
       When you focus on that one goal, and let yourself be guided 
     by discipline, competence and leadership, it will get you 
     where you want to go.
       It will help you march a little farther, carry a little 
     heavier load, and be willing to step into the unknown with 
     the confidence that you can accomplish the mission.
       Good luck, God speed, thank you for letting me speak to you 
     on this important day, and I'll meet you on the high ground.

                          ____________________