[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  A TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIE RAY JOHNSON AND COLONEL ROGER 
                            FISHER HALL, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to two of 
North Carolina's finest gentlemen, Brigadier General Willie Ray Johnson 
and Colonel Roger Fisher Hall, Jr., on their service to and retirement 
from the North Carolina National Guard.
  Theodore Roosevelt, our Nation's 25th president and a member of the 
National Guard, once said, ``It is not the critic who counts; not the 
man who points out how the strong man crumbled, or where the doer of 
deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is 
actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and 
blood; who strives valiantly; . . . who knows the great enthusiasm, the 
great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who . . . knows 
in the end the triumph of high achievement.'' For a combined 68 years, 
General Johnson and Colonel Hall have been in the arena as part of our 
Nation's military force and our State's emergency response and 
community support. And they have served us well.
  Since joining the Guard at age 17, General Johnson has served in a 
variety of assignments and been awarded many decorations. From Supply 
Officer to Platoon Leader to Maintenance Battalion Commander to Deputy 
Adjutant General, Ray has served his State and country with distinction 
and devotion. This service has led to many awards including the Bronze 
Star Medal, National Defense Service Award, the Kuwait Liberation 
Medal, and the North Carolina Meritorious Unit Citation. In addition to 
his National Guard service, General Johnson has been an integral part 
of civic activities in Sampson County including president of the 
Roseboro Area Economic Development Commission, member of the Sampson 
County Shrine Club and a member of the Trustee Board of Sampson 
Regional Medical Center.
  Enlisting in the Guard just prior to his 20th birthday, Colonel Hall 
has also served in several capacities and received numerous 
decorations. From Transportation Officer to Motor Officer to 
Headquarters Commandant to Commander, Colonel Hall has served with 
character and commitment. His work has been honored by receipt of the 
Bronze Star Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve 
Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel Hall is a member of 
the Board of Directors of BB&T Bank, has been named Business Person of 
the Year in Hope Mills, has served as past president of the Cumberland 
County Democratic Party, and serves me well as Executive Vice-Chairman 
of the Seventh Congressional District Military & Veterans Affairs 
Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, the North Carolina National Guard is one of the most 
respected and reliable guard forces in the world. General Johnson and 
Colonel Hall have been an integral part of their success, and on behalf 
of the citizens of southeastern North Carolina, I thank them for the 
service they have given to our State and Nation. May God's strength, 
peace, and joy be with both of them always.

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