[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1361-E1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL RONALD H. MARKARIAN FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED 
        SERVICE TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Major 
General Ronald Markarian for his distinguished service and dedication 
to the California Veterans Board. The California Veterans Board advises 
the Governor, Legislature and Department of Veterans Affairs on 
veterans issues.
  Major General Ronald H. Markarian was appointed by Governor Pete 
Wilson to the California Veterans Board in 1994. General Markarian has 
served as state director of the selective service system since 1987. 
Governor Wilson appointed Ron Markarian as Commanding General of the 
California State Military Reserve and promoted him to the rank of Major 
General in July 1990. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Air 
Force in 1980, after serving 30 years.
  Major General Markarian flew 116 combat reconnaissance missions in 
the Vietnam War. Several commendations were awarded, including the 
Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. His 
assignments have included: air crew duties in B-47 and B-52 strategic 
bombers; strategic nuclear planning with the Joint Strategic Planning 
Staff in Nebraska; Strategic Reconnaissance Operations at Headquarters, 
Pacific Command in Hawaii; Chief of Air Reconnaissance Operations at HQ 
USMACV in Southeast Asia; six years at the Pentagon where he served as 
Chief of Air Reconnaissance Systems and Director of the Intelligence 
Reserve Forces.
  Major General Markarian is a graduate of the Air Command Staff 
College, Air War College, National Defense University, Industrial 
College of the Armed Forces, Defense Intelligence School, United 
Kingdom School of Service Intelligence, the Federal Emergency 
Management Institute and the Foreign Service Institute. He also holds a 
Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington 
University in Washington, D.C. and a B.A. from California State 
University, Fresno.
  Major General Ronald H. Markarian has been an active member in the 
Republican Party and several military associations including the Air 
Force Association, California State Military Reserve Officers 
Association, Civil Air Patrol and the National Guard Association of 
California. He has served as the regional president and is a member of 
the National Council of Trustees for the Association of the U.S. Army 
and a past national president of the National Sojourners. His local 
community involvement have included membership in the American National 
Red Cross, the California Emergency Services Association and the Fresno 
County Chambers of Commerce.

[[Page E1362]]

  Major General Ronald H. Markarian's dedicated service to his 
community, the State of California and the United States Air Force are 
an example of a life devoted to duty, honor and country. He has been an 
important voice for veterans and has provided profound insight and 
guidance on important veteran issues. General Markarian's service and 
expertise has been very influential in providing sound advice to the 
Governor and Legislature of California.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to pay tribute to Major General Ronald H. 
Markarian for his service to the California Veterans Board and the 
California Department of Veterans Affairs. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in wishing General Markarian many more years of success.

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