[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE BLUE RIDGE RIFLES

 Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the Blue Ridge Rifles Precision Drill Team of North Georgia College and 
State University. The Blue Ridge Rifles finished first overall at the 
Tulane University Mardi Gras Drill Meet, their tenth such win since 
1979.
  The Blue Ridge Rifles competed against outstanding competition, 
hailing from such esteemed institutions as West Point, the United 
States Air Force Academy, and the Georgia Military College. 
Furthermore, this competition was scored using Navy-Marine Corps 
standards of drill, so the Rifles, with their Army-based ROTC training, 
were competing under unfamiliar rules. The ability of the Rifles to 
adjust to these changes and compete, let alone win, is nothing short of 
exceptional.
  I also extend congratulations to Cadet Staff Sergeant Justin Shelton 
and Cadet Second Lieutenant Edward Boyd, who finished first and third 
in the individual exhibition respectively.
  The Blue Ridge Rifles are a proud component of North Georgia College 
and State University, an dedicated educational institution renowned for 
its excellent ROTC program. Mr. President, I encourage my colleagues to 
join me in honoring this fine organization of young Americans as they 
celebrate their latest triumph.

                          ____________________