[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL LEE SELVES

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam President, I would like to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to Oregon native, Michael Lee Selves, an 
American hero and patriot whose distinguished service to our Nation 
spanned 32 years. Michael's life was tragically cut short on September 
11, 2001, when American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. 
Michael Selves served this great Nation as both an officer and civilian 
with the United States Army. Mr. Selves entered the Army in 1969, and 
during his illustrious career selflessly defended freedom at duty 
stations in Europe, Korea, and across the United States. Rising to the 
rank of Lieutenant Colonel before leaving military service, he was 
admired and respected by superiors and subordinates alike as a gifted 
and caring leader of soldiers. His numerous decorations include the 
Legion of Merit and three Meritorious Service Medals.
  As a Department of the Army civilian, Mr. Selves brought his 
leadership skills to the office of the Administrative Assistant to the 
Secretary of the Army. His vast skills were quickly recognized as he 
was appointed Director of the Army's Information Management Support 
Center. Under his leadership, a cohesive team of information technology 
professionals was formed that produced the highest score for customer 
satisfaction within the Pentagon. The actions of his subordinates in 
the hours immediately following the attack on the Pentagon attests to 
his leadership. Despite Mr. Selves' absence, and extensive damage to 
the automation infrastructure, they were able to restore services 
within 70 hours.
  On behalf of his family and many friends, let the record show that 
the Congress of the United States of America honors the memory of 
Michael Lee Selves and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our grateful 
Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family members, especially 
his wife and parents, Jack and Florence Selves, and will remain with 
them in the months to come.

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