[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S6013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RETIREMENT OF LT. COL. JAMES A. LAFLEUR, COMMANDER OF FORT RITCHIE

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, it is my distinct pleasure today 
to recognize the Commander of Ft. Ritchie, Lt. Col. James A. LaFleur, 
who will retire on Tuesday, June 24th, after 20 years of distinguished 
service for his country.
  A highly decorated soldier and respected leader, Lt. Col. LaFleur 
also has set standards in an area in which the Army does not give any 
awards, the Base Realignment and Closure process. With great diplomacy, 
sensitivity and vision, Lt. Col. LaFleur has presided over this very 
painful process at Ft. Ritchie, a place rich in history that has proved 
instrumental in the defense of the United States. Like my colleagues 
from Maryland and nearby Pennsylvania, I was very surprised and 
disappointed by the inclusion of Ft. Ritchie in the 1995 round of BRAC 
closings. The base has provided many good jobs for our constituents and 
we are all saddened by the Army's departure.
  Under Lt. Col. LaFleur's leadership, however, the BRAC process at Ft. 
Ritchie has progressed as smoothly as possible. His understanding of 
the connection between the base and the civilian community led him to 
work with Washington County, the surrounding areas, and the Local 
Redevelopment Authority to establish a partnership that has facilitated 
the transition for Ft. Ritchie's employees. He has reduced the closure 
time by 50 percent, at the same time that his obvious concern for the 
base's employees has boosted morale. Lt. Col. LaFleur's efforts in this 
regard have been recognized by BRAC-affected communities across the 
nation, as well as by the Army and the Department of Defense.
  The successful redevelopment process has culminated in the decision 
by the PenMar Development Corporation to turn Ft. Ritchie into a high-
tech conference and training facility, where organizations like the 
International Masonry Institute will use Ft. Ritchie as an 
international training center, bringing at least 200 good jobs to 
Washington County. I.M.I. is even considering building a conference 
center at this bucolic mountain lake park.
  It is quite fitting that the man whose stewardship made much of this 
possible is the same man who will take the site into the 21st century. 
I was gratified to learn that, rather than leaving Ft. Ritchie, Lt. 
Col. LaFleur will dedicate himself to the success of the new PenMar 
Tech Park, serving as its deputy director. Thus, while the Army is 
losing an effective administrator and a courageous soldier, Washington 
County is retaining a respected friend committed to the welfare and 
economic success of the area.
  Lt. Col. James LaFleur began his military service in 1977 with the 
4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado, where he was a platoon 
leader and battalion officer. Since then, he has served in countries 
across the globe, including both Iraq and Kuwait, during the Gulf War. 
For his distinguished service, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal with second oak leaf cluster, Joint Service 
Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with fourth oak leaf 
cluster, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, 
Southwest Asia Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.
  Mr. President, Lt. Col. LaFleur's service in the field is matched 
only by his service to Washington County. His determination and spirit 
has turned a painful base-closing into an opportunity for economic 
development, all the while engendering a lasting friendship between Ft. 
Ritchie and the civilians who live and work in its shadow. 
``Patriotism,'' said Adlai Stevenson, ``is not the short and frenzied 
outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a 
lifetime.'' Mr. President, Lt. Col. James A. LaFleur is a true patriot. 
I congratulate him on his distinguished military career, and look 
forward to his continued success as a leader in Washington County, 
Maryland.

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