[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COL. RICHARD MARTIN FROM THE CASTLE JOINT 
                            POWERS AUTHORITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GARY A. CONDIT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. CONDIT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with respect and appreciation 
to recognize one of my friends and constituents, Col. Richard D. Martin 
of Winton, California, in his retirement as executive director of the 
Castle Joint Powers Authority.
  Colonel Martin, a former Wing Commander at Castle Air Force Base, has 
directed our successful reuse efforts from the beginning. In 7 years as 
director, he has led the effort which transformed Castle into one of 
the best examples in our Nation of successful conversion of military 
facilities into civilian use.

[[Page E625]]

  Castle Air Force Base closed in 1995. We now have more than 2,000 
civilian employees with more on the way. In 1995, building after 
building was vacant. Now, most are leased and Castle is once again a 
vibrant economic machine. In 1995, no environmental remediation plan 
existed. Now, we are well on our way for restoring Castle to full 
public use. In 3 short years, we have turned the corner and we did it 
in large part because Colonel Martin was at the helm.
  What could easily have become a drain on scarce public resources has 
instead become one of our region's greatest economic assets. More than 
any one other person, Dick Martin was responsible for this outcome.
  He demonstrated leadership, vision, tenacity, creativity 
professionalism and loyalty throughout his tenure are director while 
facing incredible odds and challenges unique to transforming a military 
installation into one of the Department of Defense's base reuse success 
stories.
  Our community owes him a great debt of gratitude. I ask that my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives rise in tribute to Dick 
Martin for what can only be described as an outstanding performance 
above and beyond the call of duty.

                          ____________________