[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DON FERGUSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE GEREN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 30, 1996

  Mr. PETE GEREN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to honor Don Ferguson upon his retirement from Bell 
Helicopter Textron in Fort Worth, TX. Don has worked at Bell for 12 
years, joining that company following his retirement from Active Army 
duty in 1984. Don, an Army aviator, retired as a colonel after 28 years 
of service to his country. During the course of his Army career, Don 
was stationed overseas in Europe and Southeast Asia as well as a 
variety of military posts in the United States. His military awards 
include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 3 awards, 
Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, 3 awards, Joint Services 
Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, Bell Helicopter is in the congressional district I 
represent, and I have worked closely with that company throughout my 
tenure. I had the pleasure of meeting Don shortly after being elected 
to Congress and was immediately impressed with his knowledge of a wide 
range of subjects that affected Bell Helicopter and the Department of 
Defense. My staff and I grew to depend on him for timely and thoughtful 
responses to inquiries about Bell's operations and programs. On the 
rare occasions that Don did not know the answer to a question himself, 
he knew where to go to get it.
  During my many visits to the Bell Helicopter facilities, either on my 
own or with other Members of Congress, Don would invariably be the 
first to greet us with his ``Welcome to Bell'' overview. This briefing 
set the tone for many successful and informative visits. Don's Army 
experience allowed him to provide a unique perspective in representing 
not just the manufacturer of these helicopters, but also that of the 
men and women whose job it was to fly them. His understanding of the 
issues coupled with his wry sense of humor and quick wit gave Don the 
uncanny ability of always being able to put friends and strangers alike 
immediately at ease.
  In summary, Mr. Speaker, I can proudly say that Don Ferguson has 
served his country with distinction for over 40 years. Twenty-eight of 
those years in uniform; the remainder in civilian clothes, yet still 
dedicated to ensuring that our fighting men and women had the very best 
possible equipment that American industry could provide. During all 
that time, Don has continually demonstrated those qualities which we 
all admire and aspire to achieve--devotion to duty, honor, and 
integrity.
  I know that all who have had the privilege of getting to know Don 
over the years will miss him and join me in wishing him and his wife, 
Marilyn, an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________