[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7236-S7237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL ERIC K. SHINSEKI'S APPOINTMENT TO THE JOINT 
                            CHIEFS OF STAFF

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of 
General Eric K. Shinseki's appointment as the Army's thirty-fourth 
Chief of Staff. As a highly decorated officer and a dedicated member of 
our nation's Armed Forces, I know that General Shinseki will prove to 
be a valuable member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  In his thirty-three years of service, General Shinseki has served the 
Armed Forces in both the continental United States and overseas. He 
served in the United States Army Hawaii, as well as at Fort Shafter 
with Headquarters, United States Army-Pacific. From March 1994 to July 
1995, General Shinseki was the Executive Officer of the 1st Squadron of 
the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas.
  From August 1997 until November 1998, Shinseki was the Commanding 
General of the United States Army-Europe and 7th army. He concurrently 
led NATO soldiers as the Commander of the Allied Land Forces Central 
Europe in Germany. Additionally, General Shinseki has served as 
Commander of the Stabilization Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and as the 
Army's Vice Chief of Staff.
  As my colleagues know, I am a strong supporter of our men and women 
in uniform. I understand the difficult sacrifices they make every day 
in defense of our country--and our ideals. I honor the hard work and 
commitment that sacrifice demands. Just

[[Page S7237]]

as they fight for us, I fight for them and federal policies that 
support them.
  As a result of General Shinseki's military service, he has earned the 
Defense Distinguished Service Medal, a Legion of Merit with oak leaf 
cluster, a Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' Device and two oak leaf 
clusters, a Purple Heart Award with oak leaf cluster, and a Meritorious 
Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters.
  Mr. President, I know that General Eric K. Shinseki will be an 
instrumental contributor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout his 
career he has shown his capability as a leader. His leadership and his 
military successes will help him to succeed as the new Army Chief of 
Staff. I look forward to working with him on the restructuring of TECOM 
to ensure that Aberdeen remains the home of Army testing. I am happy to 
know that General Shinseki shares the Maryland delegation's view of how 
important Aberdeen Proving Ground is to the Army, Maryland, and the 
United States. I wish General Shinseki the best in his new 
position.

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