[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO G. HUNTINGTON BANISTER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, a valued and trusted public servant retired 
from the Federal Government today. G. Huntington Banister, better known 
as Hunt, served proudly in a distinguished career spanning 31 years.
  Beginning in 1972, Hunt put his skills to work for America at several 
agencies. He launched his public career as a Budget Analyst with the 
Interstate Commerce Commission. From 1976 to 1979, he served as Budget 
Officer for the Public Health Service's National Institute on Drug 
Abuse. He was Financial Manager for the Commodity Futures Trading 
Commission from 1979 to 1985.
  But it is in his present position that I came to personally know and 
respect this fine gentleman. In 1985, he joined the staff of the 
Selective Service System as its Controller. He was indispensable at 
this small but vital Federal agency that is near and dear to my heart. 
It has a nationwide staff of less than 200 full time people, yet its 
purpose and mission are enormous. Serving as America's defense 
insurance policy in a still dangerous world, it remains ready to 
mobilize and provide our Nation's Armed Forces with the manpower 
necessary to fight in any future crisis that requires a return to the 
draft.
  Earning the admiration and respect of his superiors and subordinates 
alike, Hunt became the Acting Director of Selective Service in February 
1994. For 9 months, until the confirmation of a new Director, he led 
the Agency at a most critical time in its history. That summer 
Selective Service faced possible termination during the congressional 
budget process. Fortunately, those of us in Congress who appreciate the 
value of military personnel readiness did not let that happen, and the 
important role played by the Agency in national security continues 
today without pause.
  In no small measure, the very survival of a strong and ready 
Selective Service System is attributable to the leadership abilities of 
Hunt Banister. He is a man whose intellect, people skills, and savvy 
set him apart. It is worthy of note that Hunt is ``Twice the citizen,'' 
having also completed a parallel career as an Army Reserve officer and 
retiring as a colonel after 30 years of commissioned service, including 
almost 7 years of active duty and a tour of Vietnam.
  Throughout his long and distinguished career, Hunt Banister made a 
difference. When the going got rough, he remained tough, and his legacy 
is a more secure America. The citizens of this great Nation are in his 
debt, and wish G. Huntington Banister, his wife Linda, and his children 
Betsy and Carly, good health and happiness on his well deserved 
retirement day.

                          ____________________