[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL DONALD E. FLEMING

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize an 
American who has honorably served our Nation for 28 years: Colonel 
Donald E. Fleming, U.S. Marine Corps. Colonel Fleming has served with 
distinction, throughout wartime and in times of peace. In 1990 and 
1991, during the Gulf War, Colonel Fleming served as the executive 
officer to a Harrier Attack Squadron in support of Marine ground troops 
in Operation Desert Storm. He was involved in numerous sorties against 
Iraqi forces, which enabled ground combat troops to successfully attack 
and take Iraqi forces. This was a highly dangerous task as Marine 
aircraft were constantly exposed to enemy fire. Colonel Fleming was 
prepared to give his life for those Marines on the ground to be 
successful in completing their missions.
  Colonel Fleming's last assignment was as the deputy legislative 
assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. This was a highly 
responsible assignment in that the Colonel served not only the 
Commandant of the Marine Corps, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 
but the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as well. 
Colonel Fleming was thoroughly involved with ensuring that the numerous 
congressional inquiries were completed in a timely and correct manner. 
This is a large task, especially during the hearing season, when 
Members of Congress and their staffs address many questions and 
concerns to the military departments. Additionally, Colonel Fleming was 
responsible for the final coordination of significant congressional and 
staff delegations that took place literally all over the world.
  I thank Don for his unswerving dedication to serving the U.S. 
Congress. He has served our Nation and the U.S. Congress in the finest 
traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps. I wish Don well in his future 
endeavors as he enters a new phase of his life. Colonel Fleming's 
service to his country and his Corps has been laudatory. I am deeply 
appreciative that we have Marines like Colonel Fleming, who are of such 
high caliber and sincere conviction. May God bless Colonel Don Fleming 
and his family, and may fair winds and following seas follow Colonel 
Fleming throughout his new career.

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