[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 136 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S11127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           GENERAL SCHOOMAKER

 Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, it is a privilege for me to join 
the Secretary of Defense in recognizing General Peter Schoomaker, a man 
whose lifetime of service commemorates the very spirit on which our 
great country was founded. General Schoomaker's distinguished military 
career will draw to a close on October 27, 2000, when he steps down 
from his position as Commander in Chief of the United States Special 
Operations Command.
  General Schoomaker has always demonstrated a commitment to excellence 
and service. Since being commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1969, 
upon graduation from the University of Wyoming, his commitment to serve 
has provided him with the foundation of a lifetime of success. He has 
served at all levels in conventional and special operations and 
participated in numerous contingency operations, ranging from Desert 
One in Iran through Uphold Democracy in Haiti. He currently shoulders 
the responsibility for all special operations of the Army, Navy, and 
Air Force, both active and reserve.
  Clearly, General Schoomaker has been a pivotal and talented player on 
the national security stage, but his measure as a man goes beyond the 
profession at which he excels. General Schoomaker's quest for 
excellence began early when he was a defensive lineman for the 
University of Wyoming football team which won the 1967 Sugar Bowl. 
These memories rank high on his list of notable achievements, primarily 
because of the teamwork it took to succeed. Fostering a spirit of 
teamwork continues to be the guiding force in General Schoomaker's 
leadership philosophy, and his enduring legacy for the service 
epitomizes the concepts he learned long ago on the gridiron.
  Mr. President, the people of Wyoming have been blessed with a long 
list of servicemen and women who are willing to put the needs of other 
in front of their own. Today, I have the opportunity to celebrate an 
adopted son of my home state, General Peter Schoomaker, a man who 
embodies the qualities of determination, self-sacrifice, and 
leadership.

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