[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 88 (Friday, June 14, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6276-S6277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO COL. WILLIAM B. LOPER, U.S. ARMY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, today, June 14, is the 221st birthday of 
the U.S. Army, a military force that has distinguished itself 
repeatedly throughout the history of this great Nation. Victories in 
battles from our War for Independence to the Persian Gulf war were 
successful only because of the stellar soldiers that serve selflessly 
and bravely in the Army of the United States. I rise today to pay 
tribute to a man who is a fine soldier and a friend to many of us in 
this Chamber, Lt. Col. William B. Loper, as he prepares to bring his 
active duty career to an end.

[[Page S6277]]

  Colonel Loper began his career more than 24 years ago when he pinned 
on the gold bars of a second lieutenant and the crossed muskets of the 
infantry. A product of Washington, DC's Georgetown University and the 
Reserve Officer Training Corps, Bill Loper was well educated, prepared, 
and trained for his ensuing career as an Army officer. His tours of 
duty included stints as an adjutant and Chief of Records for the 25th 
Infantry Division; as a personnel adviser in Pennsylvania; as the 
Secretary of the General Staff for the 19th Support Command, located in 
Korea; and ultimately, back to the District of Columbia where he was an 
assignments officer at the Army Personnel Center, and executive officer 
in the Army Legislative Liaison Office, where most of us have come to 
know him.
  During his tenure in the Legislative Liaison Office, Colonel Loper 
has worked hard to represent the interests of the Army to Members of 
Congress, as well as tirelessly working to assist Senators, 
Representatives, and their staffs, in dealing with defense matters as 
well as constituent concerns and issues. I do not think any of my 
colleagues would disagree with my assessment of Colonel Roper, he is an 
individual who has always been prompt, responsive, and sensitive to the 
needs and requests of Members of Congress, and he has presented a 
positive and impressive image of the Army during the course of his 
duties here.
  Mr. President, service and dedication to duty have been two hallmarks 
of Colonel Loper's career. He has served our Nation and the Army well 
during his years of service, and we are grateful for all his efforts 
and sacrifices in the defense of the United States. I am sure that 
everyone who has worked with Colonel Loper would want to join me in 
wishing him health, happiness, and success in the years to come.

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