[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GARRETT D. BOURNE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel 
Garrett ``Gary'' D. Bourne, as he prepares to retire from his career as 
an officer and a soldier in the United States Army.
  Gary Bourne began his career more than 28 years ago when he was 
commissioned a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery, and spending 
his first tour of duty with the 82d Airborne Division. Throughout his 
career, Gary Bourne has expertly met the many challenges of military 
service as an Army officer, and he has faithfully served his Nation in 
a variety of command and staff assignments throughout the world 
including the continental United States, Vietnam, Europe, Southwest 
Asia, and Panama.
  If there is one thing an officer in the Army wants to do, it is to 
command troops, and Gary Bourne has done so at the battery and 
battalion levels. He ultimately held the much coveted position of 
Brigade Commander when he was tapped to lead the 210th Field Artillery 
Brigade. During his time with the 210th, the United States faced down 
Saddam Hussien, and Colonel Bourne was responsible for leading his 
brigade from Germany to Southwest Asia where his unit served as the 
covering force artillery commander for the VII Corps during Operation 
Desert Storm.
  From 1987-1990, Colonel Bourne traded in his Battle Dress Uniform for 
a suit and tie and joined the Army Legislative Liaison Office to the 
U.S. Senate. During those three years many of us came to know this 
dedicated officer who tirelessly worked to represent the interests of 
the Army to members of this Chamber, as well as to assist us with 
matters related to the Army.
  After an almost three decade career in the Army, Colonel Bourne will 
soon leave his present post as Chief of Staff of the Fifth United 
States Army and bring his service to the Nation to an end. The 
Colonel's career has been distinguished, and it has been marked by his 
commitment to duty and selflessness. I commend Colonel Bourne on his 
career of accomplishment and wish him and his wife good health and 
great happiness in the years to come.

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