[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL KENNETH S. KASPRISIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2001

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Kenneth 
S. Kasprisin. Three years ago, Ken assumed the position of Commander 
with the St. Paul District of the Corps of Engineers. During that time, 
I have come to know Ken not only as a fine, trusted public servant, but 
also as an extraordinary friend.
  Throughout his time with the Corps, Ken has set the highest standards 
for himself and the people with the St. Paul District. Ken's drive and 
determination in working to make the Corps and the St. Paul District 
truly responsive to the needs of the people has resulted in service 
that is unmatched and pales in comparison to other districts within the 
Corps of Engineers. He is a man of great integrity, with a deep 
commitment to the issues he works on. I have been impressed both by his 
sincerity and his ability to look beyond the box to understand and 
advocate for proposals that are in the best interests of communities 
throughout the district. As Ken departs from his service with the 
Corps, he leaves behind a remarkable record of accomplishments that is 
matched by the dedication with which he has served.
  No matter what challenge is posed, Ken is able to tackle it head on 
and is always able to meet or exceed it. Ken's keen ability to sift 
through complex issues has been well recognized by those within the 
Corps of Engineers and by Members of Congress. His work ethic has been 
nothing but top-notch as he has fought for improvements within the 
district. In particular, Ken has been diligent in his efforts to bring 
much needed relief to the folks in the Devils Lake Basin who have been 
plagued by years of flooding. He has fought hand and hand with the 
North Dakota congressional delegation as we have worked to implement 
workable solutions to this crisis.
  Earlier this year, as communities in North Dakota and Minnesota 
battled the rising water of the Red River, Ken led efforts coordinating 
the emergency response to ensure residents and businesses received the 
vital protection they needed. But his commitment does not end there. 
Ken has worked with many communities throughout my state of North 
Dakota in developing long-term flood protection and solutions. Cities 
from Wahpeton to Grand Forks to my hometown of Valley City, will have 
the flood protection so desperately needed thanks to the leadership and 
dedication of Ken Kasprisin. There is no doubt that the Corps and North 
Dakota has been well-served under his leadership.
  While Ken will be leaving the Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Army 
after a distinguished career of 26 years, we are very fortunate that he 
will continue in public service with the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA). FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh could not have made a better 
choice! As he takes the reigns as regional director for Region X at 
FEMA, Ken will continue to serve as an effective public servant. I have 
no doubt that Ken will be a true asset to the agency and to the many 
people who are impacted by natural disasters each year. I wish him all 
the best in his new position.

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