[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E947-E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                IN MEMORY OF COLONEL DAVID MICHAEL MOAK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 1998

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
Louisianian and a great American, who died on March 28th, 1998: Colonel 
David Michael Moak, United States Army. He will be missed, not only by 
his wife of 21 years, Julia, his son Aaron and his daughter Shelane but 
by all who worked with him as he defended our freedom and by a greatful 
nation.
  It is fitting that we remember the sacrifice and dedication of 
Colonel Moak as we near Memorial Day, the day Americans pay tribute to 
all the brave men and women who died in the service of America.
  Colonel Moak was a true American hero who put country first.
  Colonel Michael Moak, U.S.A., 47, who was born and raised in Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana died on March 29, 1998 at the Walter Reed Army 
Hospital. Col. Moak was assigned to the Office of the Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications, and 
Intelligence where he was responsible for enhancing the Department of 
Defense's intelligence capabilities to support combating terrorism and 
force protection. In 1973, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 
Government from Southeastern Louisiana University where he was also 
commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry, in the Regular Army.
  Upon commissioning, Col. Moak attended and completed the U.S. Army 
Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. After 
graduation, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, where he 
served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Scout Platoon Leader, Rifle Company 
Executive Officer, Battalion S3 Air, and Rifle Commander. Col. Moak's 
subsequent assignments include Commander, Army ROTC Detachment, 
Louisiana College, Operations Officer, 202d Military Intelligence 
Battalion (HUMINT), Commander, 641st Military Intelligence Company 
(HUMINT), Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and interim Battalion 
Commander, 18th Military Intelligence Battalion (HUMINT), Brigade S3 
Operations, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, Deputy Chief of Staff 
for Intelligence, Army Special Operations Forces, Europe, Executive 
Officer, 201st Military Intelligence Battalion (Tactical, I Corps), 
Battalion Commander, 14th Military Intelligence Battalion (Tactical 
Exploitation), and Systems/Force Integrator, Deputy Chief of Staff for 
Operations, Headquarters, Department of the Army.
  Col. Moak's military training included, in addition to the Infantry 
Officers Advanced Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, Air Assault 
School, Jungle Warfare School, Rappel Master, German Airborne School, 
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Course, Counter Intelligence Special 
Agent Course, HUMINT training, Terrorism Counteraction Course, Command 
and General Staff Course, and the National War College.
  Col. Moak's civilian education, in addition to a Bachelors of Arts in 
Government, included a Masters of Arts in Human Resource management 
from Pepperdine University and a Masters of Science in National 
Security Strategy

[[Page E948]]

from the National Defense University. Col. Moak did extensive study in 
the counterterrorist field and published one book commercially 
entitled, ``Surviving Hostage Situations''. He also developed an 
individual self study manual for the Army entitled, ``Terrorism 
Counteraction''.
  Col. Moak was responsible for the oversight and enhancement of 
Department of Defense intelligence programs and capabilities to support 
combating terrorism and force protection for the Secretary of Defense. 
He oversaw and assured effective intelligence support to force 
protection operations for U.S. forces deployed in Bosnia. He 
coordinated efforts with DoD agencies, Unified Commands, and the 
Services. He also worked closely with FBI, CIA, and other federal 
agencies to assure appropriate intergency coordination, Col. Moak 
routinely developed and provided information to Congress on 
intelligence support to combating terrorism and other transnational 
threats. He monitored DoD agencies and commands' combating terrorism 
and force protection budgets to assure sufficient funding was available 
to meet emerging requirements.
  Col. Moak's awards include the Army Meritorious Service Medal (6th 
award), the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army 
Service Medal, Army Overseas Medal, National Defense Medal, Expert 
Infantryman Badge, Airborne Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and 
German Airborne Badge. He received the 1997 Department of Defense award 
for the Most Innovative Initiative in Combating Terrorism due to his 
relentless efforts identifying and resolving systemic issues impacting 
on the Department's intelligence capabilities.
  Our nation is fortunate to have been represented by a man of 
character like Col. Moak. He served his hometown as he did his country 
and will long be remembered for what he gave both. The people of Baton 
Rouge and Louisiana could have asked for nothing more.

                          ____________________