[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 127 (Monday, September 27, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1965-E1966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO DR. TERRY A. STRAETER

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 27, 1999

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor for me to pay 
tribute to Dr. Terry A. Straeter, an individual who is universally 
recognized as one of the most talented and innovative men in the field 
of defense aerospace and intelligence. Dr. Straeter is retiring 
following an illustrious career spanning over 30 years. He does so with 
the gratitude and appreciation of a nation that is more secure as a 
result of his work. And while the Nation has been fortunate to reap the 
benefit of Dr. Straeter's work, I have been even more fortunate in 
being able to call Terry a true friend.
  Dr. Straeter's personal and professional accomplishments reflect a 
selfish dedication to improving the national security of this country. 
He distinguished himself through his work in a wide range of national 
intelligence systems. Specifically, Dr. Straeter was instrumental in 
the development of digital avionics and spacecraft at NASA's Langley 
Research Center. In addition, he was recognized for the work he did in 
digital mapping, exploitation, targeting, and archiving systems. While 
working for the Defense Mapping Agency, Dr. Straeter led an exceptional 
team of engineers which developed digital production systems which have 
become the baseline for the evolution of our nation's imagery 
intelligence capabilities.
  Dr. Straeter's leadership and technical expertise were key in the 
development of the current generation of low-observable aircraft auto-
routing systems--a capability which contributed significantly to the 
development of stealth technology in this country. He later developed a 
technology which significantly improved both the speed and accuracy of 
image extraction that directly improved our Government's digital map 
production. He also developed a commercial version of this solution 
that is currently used by more than 50 countries around the world.
  Dr. Straeter's enormous talent, his keen insight and penchant for 
creative thinking made him a highly desired advisor. He served as a 
member of the Senate Select Committee for Intelligence's Technical 
Advisory Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Security 
Affairs Support Association, an active contributor to the Defense 
Science Board, as well as a corporate leader of the highest standing. A 
recipient of the Intelligence Community Seal Medallion, Dr. Straeter is 
a national asset who is admired and respected by all who know him.
  I know I speak for a grateful nation in wishing Dr. Terry Straeter 
the very best as he begins a new chapter in his long, distinguished 
career.

[[Page E1966]]



                          ____________________