[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RETIREMENT COMMENDATION OF RICKY N. RIGGINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DICK CHRYSLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. CHRYSLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Chief Ricky N. 
Riggins.
  Chief Ricky N. Riggins was born in Oxnard, CA, on June 29, 1954. He 
graduated from Nordhoff High School in June, 1972, and attended Ventura 
Junior College for one semester before joining the U.S. Navy on 
February 5, 1973. His illustrious 24-year career has led Chief Riggins 
to various assignments after completing signalman training in San 
Diego.
  While on active duty, Chief Riggins attended Central Texas College. 
He graduated in August of 1994, receiving an associates degree in 
general studies. Signalman Chief Petty Officer Riggins plans to attend 
Michigan State University to complete his masters degree after he 
retires.
  Chief Riggins has served his last 2 years as the leading chief 
signalman on board the U.S.S. Germantown (LSD-42), responsible for the 
welfare and training of all assigned personnel in the communications 
division as well as the operations department. Chief Riggins is married 
to Pantipa Hartke of Korat, Thailand. They have four children: First, 
Ricky, Jeremy, and Jamie, as well as two grandchildren, Ricky and 
Jeremy, Jr.
  Chief Riggins has had significant community involvement. He was 
active in his church as a deacon, a lay leader, as a member of his 
church council youth ministries committee, and as church council 
secretary. Chief Riggins served as a Red Cross volunteer providing 
service to military families, and as a contact person for military 
service members and their families through the Red Cross Service to 
Military Families. With over 500 hours contributed in the State of 
Michigan and around the world, Rick was selected as the SMF Volunteer 
in the Spotlight for the month of October 1993.
  Rick has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America in Lansing, MI, 
and abroad in Japan's Far East Council. During his reassignment to 
Sasebo, Japan, for the last 2 years, Chief Riggins has served as the 
unit commissioner for Troop and Pack 76 as a member of the Far East 
Council. His accomplishments and awards are truly awe-inspiring, and I 
thank Chief Riggins for his contributions to our society not only as a 
Member of Congress, but as a citizen of Michigan, the United States, 
and the world.

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