[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1331]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING ROBERT F. PAILTHORPE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise before you today 
to recognize the accomplishments of Chief Navy Journalist Robert F. 
Pailthorpe, who will be retiring September 28, after 20 years of loyal 
service to our country.
  Born in Swartz Creek, Michigan in 1963, Robert Pailthorpe graduated 
from Swartz Creek High School, where he served as editor of the student 
newspaper, after founding a community newspaper at the age of 15. He 
joined the United States Navy in August 1981, and after graduation from 
basic training, reported to Naval Technical Training Center in 
Meridian, MS, where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class, 
qualifying him for accelerated advancement to Petty Officer-Third 
Class. After a stint on the USS Saratoga, Chief Pailthorpe attended the 
Defense Information School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and returned to 
the Saratoga as Petty Officer--Second Class. During this time, Chief 
Pailthorpe coordinated international media response to the American 
bombing of Libya after the Achille Lauro ocean liner hijacking.
  Chief Pailthorpe went on to serve as Public Affairs Officer and 
Department Head for the Navy second largest recruiting district in 
Chicago. His success there resulted in two nominations as Sailor of the 
Year and three selections as Support Person of the Quarter. While in 
Chicago, Chief Pailthorpe reenrolled in the Defense Information School, 
where he became Commanding Officer of his class, and he was advanced to 
Journalist-First Class.
  After completing a tour on the USS Forrestal, Chief Pailthorpe next 
assignment was as Assistant Public Affairs Officer and Assistant 
Department Head of the Navy's Blue Angels. He oversaw the public 
affairs mission requirements for over 120 air shows and many other 
special projects during the team's 50 the Anniversary. He was nominated 
as Blue Angel of the Year, and selected as Blue Angel of the Quarter 
for his efforts.
  In October 1996, Chief Pailthorpe reported to his current post, 
Strategic Communications Wing One as Assistant Public Affairs Officer 
and Administrative Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. In May 1999, 
he coordinated national media response in the wake of one of Oklahoma's 
most powerful and destructive tornadoes.
  Chief Pailthorpe has been recognized many times for his service. He 
has received three Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement 
Medals, and four Good Conduct Medals, among many other awards. In 
addition, he has always strived to be an important figure in his 
community. He has been an active member of the Boy Scouts, the Sea 
Cadet Corps, was editor of Chicago's American Red Cross newspaper, and 
was adviser and newspaper editor for the Oklahoma State Chapter to 
Prevent Child Abuse.
  Mr. Speaker, as the father of two sons who have served in our 
nation's military, I know very well that it takes a special person to 
serve our country in the service of the military. I am grateful for 
Chief Robert Pailthorpe's dedication and commitment to justice, and I 
ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his 
retirement.

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