[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 143 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S12440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LT. GEN. RONALD R. BLANCK

 Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, reaching the top of one's 
profession is perhaps the most rewarding experience any person can 
achieve in their career, and today, I pay tribute to a good friend, Lt. 
Gen. Ronald R. Blanck, who has reached the pinnacle of the Army's 
Medical Corps with his promotion to the position of Surgeon General of 
the Army.
  When one thinks of military medicine, the image that comes to the 
minds of most people is that of an Army medic rushing to the aid of a 
fallen comrade. While there is probably no sight more comforting to a 
wounded soldier than a medic, Army medicine goes far beyond the 
soldiers who brave fire on battlefields in order to save lives. 
Included in the Army Medical Corps are doctors, nurses, and specialists 
of all kinds who serve in a sophisticated system of clinics, hospitals, 
and research facilities. No matter where they are stationed, soldiers 
have access to excellent care thanks to the efforts of the selfless men 
and women of the Medical Corps and the leadership provided by the 
Surgeon General of the Army.
  As he packs his bags and leaves the Capital area for his new job at 
Fort Sam Houston, TX, General Blanck assumes this post with the praises 
of his patients, as well as his peers in both the Army and in the 
medical fields of the other services. Throughout his career as a doctor 
and Army officer, the new surgeon general has established a respected, 
and well-deserved, record for professionalism, leadership and, most 
importantly, compassionate care. Beginning with his initial assignment 
as a battalion surgeon in Vietnam to his tenure as the commander of 
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, General Blanck has repeatedly sought 
innovative and more efficient manners in which to treat patients, 
demonstrated an ability to find solutions to complex tasks, and been an 
advocate for research into treatment that will benefit soldiers. 
Without question, General Blanck brings an impressive set of 
credentials to the Army's top medical post.
  Mr. President, as General Blanck assumes the responsibilities of 
being the principal medical advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army, 
I am certain that he will approach his job with enthusiasm, 
seriousness, and with a commitment to excellence. I wish him continued 
success in his duties and commend him for the service he has rendered 
the Army and the Nation.

                          ____________________