[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO NATIONAL PARK SUPERINTENDENT EDWARD WOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to extend sincere 
thanks to the outgoing Superintendent of the War in the Pacific 
National Park on Guam, Edward W. Wood, Jr., for his dedicated service. 
A 25-year veteran of the National Park Service, Mr. Wood has served 
with distinction, especially during his tenure as Superintendent of the 
War in the Pacific National Park and the American Memorial Park for the 
past seven years of his career.
  As many of my colleagues know, the War in the Pacific National Park 
commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those veterans who 
participated in the campaigns of the Pacific theater during World War 
II and preserves the natural, scenic, and historic values of our 
beautiful island. This park commemorates something especially close to 
all our hearts, the sacrifice of the American soldiers to liberate our 
islands and the loyalty that the people of Guam demonstrated during 
this critical time in our island's history. In this sense, Mr. Wood's 
commitment to ensuring that the park met its mission is deeply 
appreciated by all of us.
  As my colleagues may remember, one of the initial pieces of 
legislation I introduced when I first arrived to this institution, in 
the 103d Congress, was a bill to enhance the War in the Pacific 
National Park by appropriating funds and authorizing approval for an 
overlook at Asan Bay and a Memorial Wall of Names, to honor all those 
who suffered during the time of enemy occupation. This effort would not 
have turned successful without the support and collaboration of Mr. 
Wood.
  It is fitting, that we on Guam pay tribute to his service and 
accomplishments during his time as Superintendent of the only national 
park on our island. He has contributed significantly to the development 
of both the War in the Pacific National Historic Park and the American 
Memorial Park on the island of Saipan. Most recently, in 1997, he 
shared the National Park Foundation's National Partnership Leadership 
Award with the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands for their combined efforts to develop American Memorial Park, 
which specifically honors the Americans and Marines who gave their 
lives during the Marianas campaign of World War II, arguably the most 
significant battle of the Pacific operation.
  In addition, Mr. Wood has also been recognized and has received 
several Special Achievement Awards for his work in diversity 
recruitment, operational excellence, community involvement, and 
assistance to other government agencies.
  Mr. Wood, Si Yu'os Ma'ase for your dedication to the people of Guam 
and to the War in the Pacific National Park. Good luck in your future 
endeavors. Your service brings honor to the National Park Service.

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