[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARY LOU RAYNES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay 
tribute to Mary Lou Raynes, who will retire from Central Missouri State 
University on July 31, 2001, after more than 31 years of devoted 
service to the Army ROTC Fighting Mules Battalion.
  Mrs. Raynes began her service to the Fighting Mules Battalion in 
August of 1969. During her first decade at CMSU, she served as the 
university-hired secretary of the department. Later, she was promoted 
to government service, spending over 20 years as the department's 
Military Personnel Technician.
  Mrs. Raynes has continually gone above and beyond the call of duty. 
She has received numerous cash awards, two consecutive Annual Formal 
Inspections with laudatory ratings and received commendation from Cadet 
Command for excellence on six different occasions. She is continually 
cited as the ``subject matter expert'' in Cadet Personnel Management 
and has been praised many times for ``far exceeding the standards 
expected of a civil service employee.'' Mrs. Raynes has been a loyal 
ally of the ROTC Fighting Mules Battalion, even when the group was 
severely shorthanded in both instructors and administrative support.
  On top of her overwhelming support to Central Missouri State 
University's Army ROTC program, Mrs. Raynes has been successful in 
other areas. She was recognized as the Warrensburg, Missouri, American 
Business Woman of the Year. She was also commended for organizing the 
community Christmas Store and the radio show KOKO Expo Home Show.
  Mr. Speaker, Mary Lou Raynes' passion for excellence in Central 
Missouri State University's Army ROTC has made a difference in the 
lives of students and teachers. I know all Members of Congress will 
join me in paying tribute to her outstanding service to the Army ROTC 
Fighting Mules Battalion.

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