[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 107 (Friday, July 27, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S8344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO KEN KASPRISIN

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I publicly thank Colonel Ken 
Kasprisin, who will leave his post as District Engineer and Commander 
of the St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today, 
July 27. Colonel Kasprisin is one of the finest individuals I have 
worked with as a U.S. Senator representing North Dakota, and we will 
miss him after he leaves the Corps.
  North Dakota and the Nation owe Colonel Kasprisin a deep debt of 
gratitude. He has served as Commander of the St. Paul District since 
July, 1998, and he has served admirably. During that period, he has 
helped lead our communities through several flood disasters including 
the chronic flood at Devils Lake, ND. Throughout it all, he has always 
gone above and beyond the call of duty.
  Colonel Kasprisin is among the most capable leaders I have ever had 
the pleasure of working with. He is a true professional, and has a 
unique ability to walk into a difficult condition, assess the 
situation, and calmly, but decisively, take action. He listens 
carefully to people and has a leadership style that invites creative 
solutions to complex problems.
  Colonel Kasprisin is also a man of tremendous integrity. He cares 
deeply about the people of this nation, and his commitment to doing the 
right thing is unmatched. He has often been willing to fight for the 
needs of common citizens, even if it meant leading an uphill fight and 
challenging others within the Corps.
  I know that the Colonel leaves the St. Paul Corps a better 
organization due to his leadership. The Colonel set high standards for 
his team, and they delivered time and time again. Under the Colonel's 
leadership, we have begun the flood protection project for Grand Forks, 
successfully fought several spring floods throughout the Red River 
Valley, and have continued to provide protection to residents of Devils 
Lake from the rising lake water. I will not forget the incredible 
contributions Colonel Kasprisin has made to the people of my State and 
the country.
  But Colonel Kasprisin's departure from the Corps does not mean he is 
departing from public life. FEMA Director Allbaugh has tapped him to be 
the new FEMA Regional Director for the Pacific Northwest Region head-
quartered in Seattle. The Colonel's leadership will be a valuable 
addition to the FEMA team, and I believe Director Allbaugh made a great 
choice for that important position. Colonel Kasprisin will continue to 
make a difference in people's lives in that position and I am pleased 
that he has agreed to continue his public service.
  I want to again express my deep appreciation and respect for Colonel 
Kasprisin for his service to my state and to our nation. We in North 
Dakota will miss you, Colonel, but wish you all the best in your new 
career.

                          ____________________