[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  BRIGADIER GENERAL BETTYE H. SIMMONS

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
honor Brigadier General Bettye H. Simmons as she retires after twenty-
nine years of active duty service in the United States Army. General 
Simmons culminates her distinguished career as Chief, Army Nurse Corps 
and Commander, United States Army Center for Health Promotion and 
Preventive Medicine.
  General Simmons' distinguished career began in 1971 when she entered 
the Army nurse Corps through the Army Student Nurse Program. Her 
numerous military assignments have been diverse, including leadership 
roles in clinical services, staff education and development, and Army 
Medical Service administration and policy. As the Chief, Army Nurse 
Corps, General Simmons demanded the highest standards for military 
nursing. With other military nursing leaders, General Simmons ensured 
that a Bachelor of Science education is the minimum qualification for 
entry on to active duty for any military nurse. She was the driving 
force behind the multi-million dollar Triservice Nursing Research 
Program, a program focused on research that develops best practices for 
nursing care. General Simmons initiated a post-deployment program for 
injured Army Reserve soldiers that determined the appropriate level of 
medical care before the soldier returns home. This program saved 
countless dollars in civilian health care costs and honored the 
commitment to care for our Reserve Forces. As Command Surgeon for 
Forces Command, General Simmons improved unit medical readiness by 20 
percent. She redesigned the battlefield evacuation process, providing a 
lightweight, robust capability to ensure the right medical care is 
provided to the soldier at the right time and at the right place. Her 
contributions are far-reaching, and will impact military nursing and 
health care for years to come.
  Mr. President, more than fifty years ago, as I was recovering in a 
military hospital, I began to understand the critical role of military 
nurses. General Simmons embodies what I know military nurses to be--
strong, professional leaders who are committed to serving their fellow 
comrades in arms and their country. General Simmons' many meritorious 
awards and decorations demonstrate her contributions in a tangible way, 
but it is the legacy she leaves behind for the Army Nurse Corps for 
which we are most appreciative. It is with pride that I congratulate 
General Simmons on her outstanding career of exemplary service.

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