[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5776-S5777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL TERRY PAUL
Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I would like to just share with those of our
colleagues who are watching the floor at this moment a ceremony that I
just attended, that a number of our colleagues just attended, for the
promotion of then Colonel Terry Paul to Brigadier General Terry Paul,
the U.S. Marine Corps.
This is somewhat unusual, because General Paul has been serving as
the Marine Corps liaison in the U.S. Senate for almost a decade. He
came as a lieutenant colonel, he was promoted to the rank of full
colonel, and this afternoon was promoted to the rank of brigadier
general, where he will move across the Potomac to serve as the
Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Many generals, officers of the Marine Corps, admirals of the Navy,
representatives of the Department of Defense, and some of our
colleagues in the House and Senate were there, to recognize an
extraordinary Marine and an extraordinary patriot, someone who has
worked very, very hard and very, very professionally in a job that many
of us appreciate.
Mr. President, during his nearly 10-year assignment with the Marine
Corps Liaison Office here in the Senate, General Terry Paul has
championed a number of programs--like the M1A1 tank, the Maritime Pre-
positioned Forces (MPF), the V-2 Osprey, and the Advanced Amphibious
Assault Vehicle (AAAV)--that have helped sustain the Corps as the
premiere expeditionary force in readiness and have helped mold the
Corps for the twenty-first century.
To those of us who worked with him, General Paul has been a strong
advocate for his beloved Corps.
He has poured his heart and soul into every facet of an issue,
championing the best interest of the Corps and the nation, regardless
of scope or monetary value.
He has also never lost sight of the individual Marine--working just
as hard to secure a piece of gear that would keep a Marine dry during
inclement
[[Page S5777]]
weather as he would for a multi-million dollar modernization program
that enhances the overall capability of the Corps.
As the Marine Corps' representative to the United States Senate,
General Paul has also been instrumental in planning and assisting with
countless congressional oversight missions here and abroad.
And as the only Senator serving on all three national security
committees, I have personally embarked upon many a mission with General
Paul.
On numerous occasions, I have been grateful for his invaluable
assistance to me and to other Members of this body on what are
inevitably grueling visits overseas.
General Paul unfailingly represents the Corps and country with great
commitment and dedication.
Not only does General Paul do his job with extraordinary efficiency,
with immense dedication, and with enormous pride, but he also does his
job with great humor.
Whether it's Marine Corps ear-marks in the DOD bill, or racing to an
airport in Ashgabat at 0-dark-30, or showing us the mettle of the
Marines at Paris Island, Terry Paul is a consumate professional.
In my judgment, no one has better represented the Marine Corps on
Capitol Hill.
And so, Mr. President, it is with high hopes and great appreciation
that I wish General Paul godspeed as he embarks upon this new mission.
He moves to the Pentagon having contributed greatly to our work
here--and having represented the Corps here in the Senate with enormous
conviction.
We will miss him as a regular colleague--or at least an honorary
colleague--in the Russell Senate Office Building--but he will be with
us in spirit as he moves across the river. I look forward to continuing
to work with him.
I will end by saying: to a Marine's Marine, to a man who epitomizes
the motto of the Corps--Semper Fidelis, General Terry Paul.
And with that, Mr. President, I thank the Chair for the opportunity
to recognize the extraordinary service of a very fine Marine and a very
fine and patriotic American, and I yield the floor.
Mr. McCAIN addressed the Chair.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona.
Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I join in the very kind remarks of the
Senator from Virginia concerning Colonel Paul. He has done an
outstanding job for many, many years and is a man all of us are proud
of in his service to our Nation.
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