[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. JOHN BRIGANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, after over 61 years of federal service, an 
icon of an exemplary, dedicated civil service has just retired. Mr. 
John Brigance, the former Director of Contracting for all of 
Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, known as ``Mr. 
Procurement'' for his valued expertise in contracting, was recognized 
throughout the Corps. Underlining his commitment is the fact that in 
addition to his 61 years of federal service, he retired with over 5,100 
hours of unused sick leave, about two and a half years' worth.
  During his career, Mr. Brigance has been called upon to accomplish 
many significant projects for the Corps of Engineers. A former Chief of 
Engineers dubbed him ``Mr. Procurement'' because he said Brigance quite 
literally wrote the book on contracting. That is a true statement. 
Between 1982 and 1995, he chaired a Headquarters task force and penned 
many of the regulations governing Corps contract procurement 
procedures. He has risen from an under clerk typist in the Corps' 
Galveston District, when he started on January 6, 1941, to a GS 14 in 
charge of all contracting for the Southwestern Division. In the late 
1970s, he was a guest lecturer on small business contract 
administration at Syracuse University. In that same time frame, because 
of his reputation in emergency contracting procedures, he also prepared 
and taught the first-ever Corps contracting course on emergency 
management operations. Called to duty on November 27, 1942, Brigance 
served 3 years with the Army--18 months Stateside in training, and 18 
months in the Pacific Theater working with an engineer parts supply 
outfit.
  Mr. Brigance has also been noted as a wonderful coworker and fellow 
human being. A former colleague called him ``a role model for courtesy, 
civility, and professionalism. He is, quite simply, the most decent man 
I have met in my career, and a living example of what has made the 
Corps of Engineers a great organization.'' Col. Carla Coulson, former 
Deputy Division Commander, called Brigance's career ``a lifetime of 
selfless service,'' commended his personal courage and commitment, and 
acclaimed him as ``a dedicated professional with wisdom to spare.'' 
Former co-worker Hector Vela, retired Division Counsel said, ``I've 
never known John to lie about anything, even his golf game.'' Vela 
described Brigance as one who ``never speaks bad about anybody'' and 
added, ``John made working for the Corps a pleasure.'' Brigance has 
been called a ``whirlwind'' for fast action and for wearing multiple 
hats--contracting, small business advisor, inspector general and equal 
employment opportunity officer. Those people he has mentored have 
echoed the same sentiments. All speak admiringly of John Brigance.
  His life has been well rounded by the many avocations he enjoys--from 
a love of golf, to annual deer hunts in the Texas hill country, 
collecting stamps, coins and proof sets, and dancing with his wife of 
60 years, Peggy. He shows enthusiasm for each and every activity he 
pursues, his pronounced activity inspiring others to greater 
accomplishments.
  For his farewell luncheon, his friends and colleagues recognized him 
with numerous awards and mementos. Among those were the congratulatory 
letter from President Bush and a presentation by Texas Governor Rick 
Perry making Brigance an ``Admiral of the Texas Navy,'' an honorary 
position to recognize his contributions. Perry also named Peggy 
Brigance a ``Yellow Rose of Texas,'' an honor bestowed only on native 
Texans.
  None of that outdid what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave 
Brigance after 61 years of service. The Corps' Principal Assistant 
Responsible for Contracting made the first-ever presentation of the 
highest Corps award for contracting, the A-F-I-R-E, which stands for 
``Adaptive, Flexible, Innovative, Responsive and Effective/Efficient'', 
to Brigance. Brig. Gen. David F. Melcher, Southwestern Division 
commander, also hung the U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Silver Order of 
the de Fleury medal around Brigance's neck. Honoring John as the 35th 
inductee into Southwest Division Gallery of Distinguished Civilians 
rounded out the retirement accolades made in recognition of his 
commitment, leadership and esteem.
  Other awards he received throughout his career include the Decoration 
for Exceptional Civilian Service award granted by the Secretary of the 
Army, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the Assistant Secretary 
of the Army Coin and others much too numerous to mention.
  Mr. John Brigance and his daily contributions to the United States as 
a loyal, outstanding and dedicated federal civil servant serve as an 
inspiration to us all.

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