[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT SUZANNE R. DePRIZIO

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, in my years in the Senate, I have 
had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of our men and women 
in uniform. I have always been struck by their enthusiasm, 
determination, patriotism, and professionalism. Yet sometimes, even in 
such impressive company, you run across an individual who stands out 
above the rest. Lt. Suzy DePrizio is one of those standouts.
  Lt. DePrizio serves today as the legislative affairs officer for the 
United States Pacific Command, located in my home State of Hawaii. I've 
gotten to know Lt. DePrizio on my many trips to visit the command. Lt. 
DePrizio has constantly provided my staff and me timely, valuable and 
accurate information on the critical issues of the day. Her energetic 
determination and competence inspire all those who work with her. I 
know first hand from my discussions with Admiral Blair, the commander 
of the Pacific Command, what a high regard the entire staff of PACOM 
has for this tremendously talented young officer. No matter how 
difficult the challenge, Suzy was always up to the task. Her behind-
the-scenes efforts to prepare for congressional testimony were 
recognized by those of us in this business as exemplary. The CINC was 
always well prepared because of her efforts.
  I also know from many of my colleagues that traveled into the Pacific 
region how smoothly their travel went because of her coordination and 
attention to detail. I would always tell them, ``ask for Suzy, she'll 
get the job done right.'' Of course, she always did.
  As Lt. Deprizio prepares to leave active duty in the Navy for a 
civilian career, I salute her for a job well done. On behalf of the 
entire U.S. Congress, I want to thank America for sending us proud and 
patriotic professionals such as Lt. Deprizio. She is certainly among 
our Nations's finest, and she gave tenfold compared to what she 
received.
  In Hawaii, we have many traditions and blessings, one of which is the 
spirit of Aloha,--not just hello or goodbye or love, but the spirit of 
giving. When you put it together with the word `aina, it becomes the 
Hawaiian phrase for patriotism. And, if there ever was an officer who 
had the spirit of aloha' aina for the Congress, the Armed forces and 
for America, it is Lt. Suzy DePrizio. In that spirit, we send her on 
her way, wishing her fair winds and following seas in everything she 
does.

                          ____________________