[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RETIREMENT OF ROBERT MARTIN

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I want to take the opportunity 
today to honor Robert (Bob) Martin for his years of hard work and 
commitment to the people of South Dakota. I would also like to extend 
my warmest wishes and congratulate Bob on his upcoming retirement.
  Bob, a native of Estelline, South Dakota, graduated from high school 
in 1952. After his graduation Bob joined the United States Navy and 
proudly served from 1952-1956. Following his military service, he 
attended Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota receiving a 
bachelors degree in 1960. With a degree in hand, Bob became a welcomed 
addition to the faculty in the Madison School System where I am certain 
he inspired many students to pursue their dreams.
  In 1965, Bob joined KEM Electric Cooperative, in Linton, North 
Dakota, serving as Public and Member Relations and Power Use Director. 
Coming back to his South Dakota roots, Bob returned to Madison in 1970 
to become Member Service Director for East River Electric Power 
Cooperative and eventually Assistant to the General Manager at East 
River, a position he held until 1983. Ultimately, Bob became Manager of 
the Member Services and Public Affairs Division and remained in this 
position until 1990. In 1990, Bob left East River Electric to become 
General Manager of Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative located in Rapid 
City, South Dakota.
  Bob's lifetime of service to rural electric cooperatives is 
impressive and reflects his commitment to public power and the 
critically important role rural electric cooperatives play in rural 
America. Bob has been a leader on many different issues important to 
public power and rural electrics, from preventing the privatization of 
the Power Marketing Administrations to helping further rural water 
efforts in South Dakota. Rural electric cooperatives are an important 
factor in the economic development of their communities and in many 
cases, they are the best equipped to work to ensure small communities 
remain viable and continue to keep medical facilities, schools and 
other services available. I am convinced the importance of rural 
cooperatives will continue to grow, but it will require the dedication 
of more individuals like Bob Martin to ensure the future of public 
power.
  Today, Bob is a member of the South Dakota School of Mines and 
Technology Citizens Advisory Committee; a Director on the Board of the 
Mid-West Electric Consumers Association; chairs the Rapid City Chamber 
of Commerce Agriculture Committee; and is Chairman of the Pennington 
County Extension Board.
  In addition to his military, scholastic, and professional 
achievements Bob and his wife, Kay have four grown children and five 
grandchildren. Again, I would like to thank Bob for all he has done to 
better South Dakota and I would like to wish him best of luck in his 
retirement. Although I imagine that keeping up with five grandchildren 
is not exactly retirement.

                          ____________________