[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7053-S7054]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LT. COL. BRYAN T. LAWLER

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a gentleman 
of outstanding character and dedication to his country. Lieutenant 
Colonel Bryan T. Lawler of Eldora, IA has served in the U.S. Air Force 
for 22 years and will retire from active duty on August 1, 1996.
  Colonel Lawler's military education in 1974, when he attended and 
graduated from the Minuteman Missile Launch Officer training course. 
Subsequently, after graduating in the top third of the class from 
Squadron Officer's school, Bryan Lawler's education culminated with a 
Juris Doctor degree from the University of Iowa's College of Law. He 
had been competitively selected for the Funded Legal Education Program 
and graduated with high distinction. Colonel Lawler also attended the 
Air Command and Staff College.
  During his 22 years of service, Colonel Lawler put his Iowa Hawkeye 
law degree to exemplary use. He served in the base legal office at 
Seymour-Johnson AFB, defense counsel at RAF Upper Heyford in the United 
Kingdom, and Utility Legislation Counsel at Tyndall AFB in Florida. He 
also served as the Staff Judge Advocate at Moody AFB. He continued his 
service overseas, being stationed, again, in the United Kingdom and in 
Saudi Arabia. While in Saudi Arabia Colonel Lawler was selected to 
serve as one of the legal advisors who investigated the shootdown of 
two U.S. Army helicopters in Northern Iraq. The Colonel finishes his 
distinguished career as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the Headquarter 
Fifteenth Air Force at Travis AFB.
  Because of his outstanding achievements during his services with the 
U.S.

[[Page S7054]]

Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Lawler has been honored with the 
Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint 
Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak 
Leaf Clusters. Bryan Lawler's military service reflects hard work, 
pride, and efficiency. The work done by Colonel Lawler in the service 
of his country is greatly appreciated. I know that all Iowans and all 
Americans join me in expressing their thanks for a job well done.
  Mr. President, I would like to quote the words of one of Colonel 
Lawler's fellow officers. I believe that these words describe the 
Colonel well. ``Colonel Lawler has been a leader, guiding hundreds of 
young people who have learned and themselves succeeded under his steady 
influence. Few members of the Department are as well respected, admired 
and liked by his superiors, peers and subordinates as is Colonel 
Lawler.''
  Mr. President, I sincerely congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Bryan T. 
Lawler on his service with the U.S. Air Force. He is the type of 
officer that our military needs. I wish him the best of luck in the 
years to come.


 Vice President Gore on the 40th Anniversary of the Interstate Highway 
                                 System

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, today the President of the Senate, the 
Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, Jr., issued a statement 
commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. 
His statement is fitting, not only because of the unparalleled 
significance the Interstate Highway System holds for every American, 
but also because of the key role in the development of that system 
played by the Vice President's father, Al Gore, Sr. I ask unanimous 
consent that the Vice President's statement be printed in the Record 
and commend it to my colleagues' and the public's attention.
  There being no objection, the statement was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

Statement by Vice President Al Gore Commemorating the 40th Anniversary 
            of the Interstate Highway System, June 26, 1996

       This week marks the 40th anniversary of the historic 
     legislation that created our nation's Interstate Highway 
     System. Tonight, at the Zero Milestone Market on the Ellipse, 
     there will be an event to honor the four visionary Americans 
     who made it possible: President Dwight Eisenhower; 
     Congressman Hale Boggs; former Federal Highway Administrator 
     Frank Turner; and my hero, my mentor, one of Tennessee's 
     finest sons and one of America's greatest Senators . . . my 
     father, Senator Al Gore, Sr.
       The Interstate Highway System has meant so much to our 
     country. Its creation led to an unprecedented period of 
     national growth and prosperity. It increased safety and 
     dramatically reduced traffic fatalities. And it enhanced our 
     national defense and security.
       The Interstate Highway System has literally changed the way 
     we work and even the way we live. But it has done something 
     else, too--something that can't be measured by statistics or 
     dollar signs.
       The Interstate Highway System unified our great and diverse 
     nation. As President Clinton has said, it ``did more to bring 
     Americans together than any other law this century.'' And by 
     so doing, it gave our citizens--and still gives our citizens 
     40 years and about 44,000 miles later--the very freedom that 
     defines America.
       Inherent in our Bill of Rights--whether the freedom of 
     religion or press--is the freedom of mobility . . . to go 
     where we please, when we please. Families driving to our 
     national parks on vacation, mothers coming home from work, 
     fathers taking their children to baseball games . . . all 
     depend on the Interstate Highway System--a system that has 
     paved the way not only to the next destination, but to 
     opportunity itself.
       A highway to opportunity--that is America. And that is the 
     freedom, I am proud to say, made possible in part by my 
     father's dedication. I'm equally proud to continue that 
     tradition--inspired by him--by working to connect all 
     Americans to the 21st century's highway to opportunity, the 
     information superhighway.
       I was always amazed how the voice that called me to the 
     dinner table or reminded me to do my homework could be the 
     same voice that argued so eloquently in the Senate for what 
     can only be described as the greatest public works project in 
     the history of the United States of America. And on this, the 
     40th anniversary of that accomplishment, I would like to 
     thank my father, Senator Al Gore, Sr.
       On behalf of all Americans, I would like to thank him for 
     the Interstate Highway System that, in his words, is truly an 
     ``object of national pride.'' And I would like to thank him, 
     personally, for teaching me both what it means to be a 
     dedicated public servant and a dedicated father.

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