[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THOMAS E. WHITE ON BECOMING SECRETARY OF THE ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2001

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of his delighted friends 
and neighbors in The Woodlands, Texas, and all the constituents of the 
8th Congressional District of Texas, I rise today to proudly 
congratulate Thomas E. White on becoming the 18th Secretary of the 
Army.
  Rebuilding America's national security for the 21st Century is a top 
priority for President George W. Bush. Seeking vision, executive 
leadership, and Army experience, our President chose wisely in his 
nomination for Secretary of the Army--as did the United States Senate 
in confirming Secretary White.
  This Detroit, Michigan native will lead a dedicated work force of 
more than one million active duty, National Guard, and Army Reserve 
soldiers who, with the support of 270,000 civilian employees, proudly 
comprise the U.S. Army today. As the former Chairman and CEO for Enron 
Operations Corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas, Secretary White 
now holds the responsibility for all matters relating to Army manpower, 
personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, 
weapons systems and equipment acquisition, communications, and 
financial management.
  The seriousness and respect with which he approaches this awesome 
responsibility was reflected during his Senate confirmation hearings 
when he stated, ``Taking care of people is a sacred duty I will bear if 
confirmed as Secretary.''
  A proud graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the four 
objectives Secretary White has identified for his tenure are right on 
target: investing in people, assuring readiness, transforming every 
aspect of the entire Army--doctrine, training, leadership, 
infrastructure, and more--in a holistic manner, and adopting sound 
business practices.
  Secretary White is exceptionally well qualified for this job. 
Commissioned in the U.S. Army in 1967, he rose to the rank of Brigadier 
General in 1990. His distinguished 23-year career as an Army officer 
included two tours of service in Vietnam, command of the 11th Armored 
Cavalry Regiment in Germany, a number of assignments on the Army Staff, 
and finally, service as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the 
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell.
  Finally, and perhaps more important than all of these things, 
Secretary White believes strongly in his family, describing them as 
``my supporting foundation.'' His devotion to his wife Susan and three 
children--Katie, Tommy, and Chuck--is worthy of imitation in our 
country today.
  On behalf of the entire congressional delegation from the great State 
of Texas, and for those who wish to restore a strong and vigorous 
national defense led by the United States Army, I wish the very best 
for this extremely capable and dedicated public servant. I am confident 
that Secretary White will serve this nation with honor, integrity, and 
success.

                          ____________________