[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     A TRIBUTE TO DRMS COMMANDER CAPT. DONALD A. HEMPSON, JR., USN

                                 ______


                            HON. NICK SMITH

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 1996

  Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 19, 1996, 
Capt. Donald A. Hempson, Jr. (USN) will retire from the Navy and his 
post as Commander of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service 
[DRMS]. A retirement ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Battle 
Creek, MI at DRMS headquarters. Although my duties in Congress prevent 
my attendance, I would like to take this opportunity to honor Captain 
Hempson for the outstanding work he has done to improve the efficiency 
and overall performance of DRMS during his tenure in Battle Creek.
  Captain Hempson and dedicated DRMS employees have revitalized DRMS by 
adopting a variety of management practices similar to those used in 
private industry. Among the highlights have been the creation of an 
Internet site to describe surplus items for sale, computer tracking of 
surplus property to reduce recordkeeping costs, the initiation of toll-
free phone lines for improved customer service, and new advertising 
practices to increase sales. The results have been impressive. Between 
fiscal years 1993 and 1995, DRMS has increased its annual 
reutilization, transfer, donation, and sale of excess Defense 
Department property from $2.9 billion to $3.5 billion. At the same 
time, it has moved from a net loss of $120.7 million in fiscal year 
1993 to a net profit of $254.4 million in fiscal year 1995.
  By adopting strategies to put customers first, make use of innovative 
technologies, and increase efficiency and productivity, DRMS and 
Captain Hempson have provided an example of how much can be achieved 
through the reinvention of Government agencies. I salute Captain 
Hempson and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. And to 
the employees of DRMS, I say keep up the good work.

                          ____________________