[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN TRIBUTE TO UNDERSECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, CAROL DiBATTISTE

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                         HON. LINDSEY O. GRAHAM

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of 
this body the fact, in January, a distinguished leader of the Air Force 
left office to begin a new chapter in her life. Carol DiBattiste, Under 
Secretary of the Air Force, has recently resigned from her position, 
and I want to join her many friends and colleagues in commending her 
for a job well done.
  During her tenure, Under Secretary DiBattiste served with honor and 
distinction, providing exceptional leadership to reinforce a promising 
future for the Department of Defense, the Air Force, and for American 
aerospace power. Coupled with her unprecedented energy, commitment, and 
enthusiasm, Under Secretary DiBattiste's initiatives became catalysts 
for success, and helped lead the Air Force through a critical period of 
modernization and consolidation. She was the Air Force's key leader in 
the fight to solve and reverse Air Force retention shortages and 
recruiting shortfalls. Her successes in these endeavors are both 
impressive and lasting.
  Most notably, Under Secretary DiBattiste did a remarkable job on 
behalf of Air Force members and their families. Her leadership of a 
special Department of Defense task force to formulate anti-harassment 
policy resulted in outstanding guidance on this emotionally charged 
subject. This emphasis on equal opportunity and her tireless pursuit of 
higher standards for Air Force quality of life are examples of the many 
ways she found to invigorate morale and retention during a period of 
critical shortfalls, personnel reductions, and increased operations 
tempo. Her visionary and aggressive campaign against recruiting 
shortfalls, including creation of the Air Force Recruiting and 
Retention Task Force, the Air Force Marketing and Advertising Office, 
and the Strategic Communications Outreach Program, made all the 
difference for the Air Force in their ability to make recruiting goals 
and erase shortfalls. Under Secretary DiBattiste led by example, 
delivering almost 100 speeches in a 12 month period, and traveling to 
over 85 bases and locations throughout the world during her tenure.
  I join my colleagues on behalf of a grateful nation in thanking Carol 
DiBattiste. The increased opportunities and improvements she affected 
across the Department of Defense and the Air Force have poised both for 
a brilliant future.




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