[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 43 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JAMES DOLAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 18, 1999

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sgt. First 
Class James Dolan, of Jonestown, PA, who recently earned the title of 
Soldier of the Year for the Pennsylvania National Guard. SFC Dolan, who 
serves full-time at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, is the assistant 
inspector general for the PA Army National Guard.
  This award is well-earned by an individual who carries himself with 
great professionalism and distinction in the finest traditions of our 
country's military history. The noncommissioned officers corps serves 
as the backbone of the army, and the benchmark that SFC Dolan has set 
is emblematic of the lofty standards traditionally set by our nation's 
noncommissioned officers. In order to achieve this honor, SFC Dolan was 
interviewed by evaluation boards who ranked his technical proficiency, 
leadership skills, and military knowledge and bearing.
  This award was given to an excellent soldier who has maintained a 
brilliant military record. In addition to the almost 13 years he has 
spent in the National Guard, he served for 4 years in the Marine Corps, 
enlisting after graduating from high school. Despite his success, SFC 
Dolan remains modest, citing the exemplary work of other Pennsylvania 
Guardsmen. He is in quite a good position to determine the proficiency 
of his colleagues, as it is his duty to inspect unit readiness 
throughout the state. In this capacity, he helps review a third of the 
National Guard every year.
  SFC Dolan, in the true spirit of the minuteman, initially joined the 
same National Guard unit in which his father served. He currently lives 
with his wife, Vincenta, who is also a member of the PA Guard, and 
their 10-month old daughter, Kaitlin.
  The honor of the title of Soldier of the Year is a great one. That 
the award is in such good hands bodes well for the future of the 
Pennsylvania National Guard. The people of Pennsylvania can feel secure 
in the knowledge that men and women like SFC Dolan are working for 
them. It is an honor to pay tribute to him today.

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