[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO COL. LAWRENCE W. STYS, WISCONSIN WING COMMANDER OF THE CIVIL 
                               AIR PATROL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 1998

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a skilled pilot and 
dedicated public servant, Col. Larry Stys, Wisconsin Wing Commander of 
the Civil Air Patrol. After 33 years with the CAP, Col. Stys will step 
down as the Wisconsin Wing Commander October 17.
  His lasting legacy is a record unparalleled in the history of the 
Civil Air Patrol in Wisconsin. He achieved this by hiring the best 
individuals for duty assignments and inspiring them to the highest 
principles. Mr. Speaker, perhaps the philosophy of Col. Stys can best 
be expressed in his own words written to all Wisconsin Unit Commanders:
  ``I realized that the most important thing in one's life was 
principles. If one's life was ordered to and grounded in a set of 
principles, the arrangement of things will fall into line 
automatically. Principles are more than character traits. Traits can 
sometimes be worn without truly believing in them. This fundamental 
basis of character is called integrity. People can look at you and 
believe you. You can persuade without recourse to cajole.''
  This philosophy enjoyed obvious success, Mr. Speaker. In 1995, 
Wisconsin Wing was named best in the region in Search and Rescue 
proficiency.
  And in 1997 during the Air Force Quality Inspection, Wisconsin Wing 
earned the distinction as best in the nation, excelling in all 
categories, including an unprecedented 13 benchmarks, which other wings 
will be rated against. Despite these laudable achievements, Col. Stys 
repeatedly deflected praise from himself to his staff.
  Mr. Speaker, volunteer service is held in such high regard because of 
the dedication and professionalism of men like Col. Stys. As he leaves 
his command, we commend his invaluable service, we celebrate his 
contributions to air safety, and we salute his high regard for 
standards and principles.

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