[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E557-E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO THE EMPLOYEES OF McCLELLAN AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DOUG OSE

                             of california

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, we rise in tribute to the outstanding employees 
of McClellan Air Base. On April 9 and 10, 2001, McClellan will host two 
events honoring the men and women who have been part of the McClellan 
workforce for the past 63 years.
  McClellan AFB has always been a leader in supporting the defense of 
the United States of America. In the 5 years since the base closure was 
announced, numerous awards have been won, and this has been a testament 
to the abilities and distinction of the men and women of McClellan. 
Just in the past 3 years, McClellan has won two of former Vice 
President Al Gore's ``Hammer Awards'' for improving the way government 
and the Air Force does business. Base environmental programs, medical 
programs, financial management programs, and many more individuals and 
organizations have also been identified as exceptional.
  These awards have been won for good reason. The employees of 
McClellan have continued to distinguish themselves despite the 
pressures of a pending base closure. The expected turmoil of large-
scale reductions in force, vacating facilities and moving equipment

[[Page E558]]

caused the Air Force to budget for McClellan to lose $146.6 million 
over the last 3 fiscal years. Instead, McClellan's workforce managed to 
turn a profit of $9.1 million, saving the American taxpayers $155.7 
million. The men and women of McClellan should take great pride in the 
completion of their mission with the utmost of professionalism and 
honor.
  As important as these accomplishments have been, it is especially 
important to note the awards and recognition honoring the people of 
McClellan for their community involvement. This has included efforts to 
help feed the poor of Sacramento, supporting the Special Olympics, 
tutoring disadvantaged students, and raising money for the Muscular 
Dystrophy Association. Even as McClellan approached closure, its people 
worked to make their community a better place. Their selflessness in 
the face of a difficult situation is inspiring and deserves praise.
  Mr. Speaker, as the exceptional people of McClellan Air Force Base 
are recognized, we are honored to pay tribute to some of our areas most 
important contributors. McClellan has been an invaluable resource to 
the Sacramento Area, the State of California, and the United States. We 
ask all of our colleagues to join with us in thanking the men and women 
of McClellan Air Force Base for their hard work and dedication over the 
years.

                          ____________________