[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S7160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that there be a 
period for the transaction of routine morning business until 11:30, 
with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.


                    RETIREMENT OF COLONEL RON FRANKS

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fine Marine 
Officer, Colonel Ron Franks, the Deputy Legislative Assistant to the 
Commandant of the Marine Corps, who will soon retire from active duty.
  Colonel Franks' career began more than twenty-five years ago, 
following his graduation from the University of Central Texas, when he 
became a Marine aviator flying the venerable Huey helicopter. A few 
years later, Ron Franks switched from rotor wing aircraft to fixed 
wing, becoming a C-130 pilot, but flying some of the world's most 
advanced aircraft would not be the limit of this officer's duties.
  In a career as long as the one Colonel Franks has had, one is bound 
to have some interesting and challenging tasks and assignments. In the 
case of Ron Franks, his experiences have ranged from leading Marine 
aviators into combat during Operation Desert Storm as the squadron 
commander of VMGR-252 to helping the Commandant of the Marine Corps 
monitor the activities of the Legislative Branch. Without question, he 
was most efficient and successful in his duties monitoring Congress and 
working to represent the interests and concerns of the Marine Corps. 
Additionally, the Colonel is a graduate of the Naval War College, and 
earned a master's degree in business administration from Boston 
University, both of which are excellent indications not only of his 
commitment to seeking professional and personal improvement, but of the 
high caliber individual who serves as an officer of Marines. Finally, 
in almost three decades of service, Ron Franks has amassed an 
impressive list of awards and recognitions which include the Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy 
and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
  As Colonel Franks prepares to end his military service, I am certain 
that he will be missed by all those who have worked with him and come 
to know him. He has rendered the Nation a great service through his 
career as a Marine Officer and we are grateful for the sacrifices he 
has made in order that the United States may remain free and safe. I 
wish Colonel Franks, his wife Debby, and their children Kristen and 
Kimberly much health and happiness in the years ahead.




                          ____________________