[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 16 (Monday, February 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO 26 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE

 Mr. MILLER. Madam President, I rise to recognize Colonel 
Phillip R. Hutcherson, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of 
his retirement from active duty. Colonel Hutcherson has served our 
great Nation and the Marine Corps for more than 26 years.
  Prior to being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States 
Marine Corps, Colonel Hutcherson attended the United States Naval 
Academy at Annapolis, MD.
  Colonel Hutcherson's Military Occupational Specailty was that of a 
Marine ``Cobra'' pilot. The AH-1 attack helicopter provides the Marine 
infantry with close air support. It also serves as an armed escort and 
performs reconnaissance in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
  Colonel Hutcherson recently concluded his Marine Corps career working 
in the Marine Corps' Legislative Affairs Office of Headquarters, Marine 
Corps. For more than four years, he has interacted with the U.S. 
Congress in order to explain funding requirements to congressional 
Members and their staffs. His efforts in this capacity were enormously 
important to educating the Congress on the importance of Marine Corps' 
aviation in particular.
  Colonel Hutcherson has performed his weighty and challenging duties 
with steadfast commitment and unrivaled professionalism. The U.S. 
Senate has been fortunate to have a Marine Officer of his caliber 
perform liaison duties with us. The Congress and the Marine Corps have 
benefited immensely from Colonel Hutcherson's wise counsel and candid 
nature.
  I wish him and his lovely wife, Marney, all the best as they enter a 
new chapter of their lives and pursue interests outside of the Marine 
Corps. Semper Fidelis.

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