[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S2656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RETIREMENT OF COLONEL WILSON A. ``BUD'' SHATZER

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel 
Wilson A. ``Bud'' Shatzer, who after thirty-one years of dedicated 
service to the nation and the military, will retire from the United 
States Army on April 1, 2001.
  Colonel Shatzer's career began following his graduation from Eastern 
Washington University in 1970 when he was commissioned a Second 
Lieutenant in the Armor Branch. Over the past three decades, his 
assignments have included a variety of both command and staff 
positions, and throughout his military career, Colonel Shatzer 
consistently distinguished himself in all his assignments. Furthermore, 
whether a newly commissioned Second Lieutenant or a seasoned Colonel, 
this officer always demonstrated one of the most important qualities an 
officer should possess, a deep-seated concern for his soldiers 
regardless of their rank. As a leader and teacher Colonel Shatzer 
proved himself to be a willing mentor of young officers and enlisted 
men, and in the process, he helped to shape the successful careers of 
soldiers throughout the Army.
  Many of us came to know Colonel Shatzer during his five-year tour as 
Executive Officer, Army Legislative Liaison. His professionalism, 
mature judgment, and sound advice earned him the respect and confidence 
of members of the Army Secretariat and the Army Staff. While dealing 
with Members of Congress and Congressional staff, the Department of 
Defense, and the Joint Staff, Colonel Shatzer's abilities as an 
officer, analyst and advisor were of benefit to the Army and to those 
with whom he worked in the Legislative Branch.
  For the past thirty-one years, Colonel Shatzer has selflessly served 
the Army and our Nation professionally, capably and admirably. Through 
his personal style of leadership, he has had a positive impact on the 
lives of not only the soldiers who have served under him, but of the 
families of these soldiers, as well as the civilian employees of the 
Army who have worked with and under this officer. I am sure that all of 
those in the Senate who have worked with Colonel Shatzer join me today 
in wishing both he and his wife, Annie, health, happiness, and success 
in the years ahead.

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