[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COL. JAMES D. KNEELAND

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, on July 17, I flew home to 
Vermont to attend a funeral service for a man who passed away far too 
early. His name was Col. James D. Kneeland, a man in the prime of his 
life and career as a member of the Vermont National Guard. He will be 
remembered by all those whose lives he touched as a kind, honorable, 
and compassionate man. His legacy, a lifetime of extraordinary 
achievement.
  Colonel Kneeland had a distinguished military career that began in 
1964. In 1968 he received his commission and continued to rise through 
the ranks of the Army National Guard and was awarded his final 
promotion to colonel last September. As a National Guardsman and 
helicopter pilot, Colonel Kneeland was en route to Macedonia when he 
died unexpectedly. A tragic loss, not only to his family and friends, 
but to his country.
  As I look through Col. Kneeland's long list of awards and 
decorations, it strikes me that his service was one marked by 
excellence. However, there is more to this tribute than to speak simply 
of his military career. Like many Vermonters, Jim had an abiding love 
of the outdoors and took pleasure in the simpler things, like chopping 
wood at his camp in Wolcott, or walking through the woods with family 
and friends. Many will also remember him as a man with a sense of humor 
who delighted in playing practical jokes and bringing a smile to those 
around him. I learned a lot about Jim Kneeland as I sat in Building 
890, henceforth known as the Col. James D. Kneeland Aviation Facility, 
and listened as friends and family remembered and celebrated his life. 
Appropriately, the backdrop for his casket was the last helicopter he 
flew in, an OH6A Cayuse, as flying was both his occupation and his 
passion. Nearly 1,000 people came to pay tribute to Colonel Kneeland, 
some in uniform, some not, but all in tears. As Command Sgt. Maj. 
Michael Datillio said, Jim Kneeland was not your average officer. He 
was,'' an enlisted man's officer.'' As a retired Naval Reserve Captain, 
I know of no greater praise.
  Retired Gen. Benjamin Day had served with Jim and knew him for 
several years, both as a fellow officer and as a friend. General Day 
spoke of Jim fondly, and I was touched by some of his comments:

       Monuments to Jim will not be found in material form . . . 
     rather, Jim's monuments will be in the less tangible, but 
     more important forms such as the indelible and unhesitating 
     friendship that he so generously and readily gave to us all. 
     His legacy to us are those priceless memories of his dry wit, 
     humor, easy handshake and friendly greeting. . . . With Jim 
     there was no pretense, what you saw was exactly what you got. 
     There was no smoke, no mirrors and no gilding the lilly. A 
     handshake on a deal with Jim was as good as gold and a 
     commitment that would be honored. Regardless of the 
     circumstances it was going to be carried out fully and 
     properly. . . . Jim's dedication to his family, friends, God 
     and country knew no limits.''

  I was pleased to know that the Vermont National Guard has paid 
further tribute to Colonel Kneeland by naming their helicopter hanger 
at the Burlington Airport after him. I was personally touched by the 
loss of Colonel Kneeland as he was the father of Jason Kneeland, a 
valued member of my staff. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out 
to Jim's wife, Jeannine, to Jason, and to all of Jim's family. He will 
be truly missed, and remembered by us all.

                          ____________________