[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 19, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. CLIFFORD C. LaPLANTE

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
great American who has served his country well. For over five decades, 
Cliff LaPlante has dedicated himself to supporting the defense needs of 
the Nation. Born in upstate New York, Cliff entered the service of his 
country as an Air Force officer during the Korean War. During his 20 
years of Air Force service, Cliff specialized in acquisition matters 
where he helped ensure that our troops were provided with the best 
equipment our industrial base could provide.
  Cliff became well known to this body long before leaving the Air 
Force in his role as a legislative liaison officer to Capitol Hill. He 
truly distinguished himself as a trusted and admired representative of 
the Air Force.
  Selected to be a full Colonel in 1970, Cliff decided to forgo this 
much deserved promotion and instead served for eight years as the 
Boeing Company's first full-time liaison representative to Capitol.
  In 1979, Cliff joined the General Electric Company where he has 
remained for the past 23 years helping General Electric to ``Bring Good 
Things to Life.''
  Now, after more than 50 years of service, Cliff is retiring from 
General Electric, to begin yet another chapter in his life. Together 
with his wife, Cecilia, Cliff has established a charitable foundation 
called ``Children Come First.'' This foundation is dedicated to helping 
underprivileged children. In the same spirit that has exemplified all 
of Cliff's past undertakings, he will devote much of his time lending a 
helping hand to kids to ensure they have a chance filled with hope for 
tomorrow.
  I will miss this jaunty man with the fast walk and warm, charming 
personality. Along with all my colleagues who have enjoyed his 
friendship over the years, I wish him well in his latest ``retirement'' 
and the best of luck with his ``Children Come First'' 
Foundation.

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