[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MR. CLIFFORD C. LaPLANTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a longtime 
friend and a great American, Mr. Clifford C. LaPlante. Cliff is about 
to retire after more than 50 years of dedicated service to our country 
and to the defense and aerospace community.
  Born and raised in upstate New York, Cliff began his most 
distinguished career in the aeronautical arena with the U.S. Air Force 
during the Korean War. An acquisition specialist, Cliff dedicated 
himself to ensuring that American forces were equipped with the most 
capable equipment that American industry could provide. As we hear in 
the media about the critical roles of Air Force systems such as the C-5 
Galaxy and the KC-135 aerial refueling fleet, I would point out to my 
colleagues that these systems were developed and deployed under the 
watchful eye of Cliff LaPlante.
  As an Air Force legislative affairs officer, Cliff became well known 
to the members of the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees. He 
quickly became an asset to members and staff alike for his concise and 
timely responses to the many questions that arose during consideration 
of Defense department budget requests. The reputation Cliff developed 
as a trusted and admired member of the Air Force reflect great credit 
on himself as well as the U.S. Air Force.
  My personal association with Cliff began in 1970 when Cliff decided 
to forego a much-deserved promotion to full Colonel in favor of joining 
The Boeing Company as its first full time liaison representative to the 
Congress. During his eight years with Boeing, Cliff continued the fine 
legislative work he had begun with the Air Force and he became involved 
in many vital defense programs such as the AWACS, the Airborne Command 
Post and the KC-135 re-engining program.
  In 1979, Cliff began the General Electric Company chapter of his 
career, which has lasted twenty-three years. Cliff continued to build 
on the legislative work he began during his tenures with the Air Force 
and Boeing and was at the very center of the major defense issues of 
the day. Cliff distinguished himself with his role in the KC-135 re-
engining program and during ``The Great Engine War'' where GE competed, 
and won, a place for its F110 engine on the F-16. American business 
schools now view ``The Great Engine War'' as a classic case study on 
how defense procurement should be done.
  Now, after more than 50 years of dedicated service to his country, 
the Congress and the aerospace community, Cliff is about to retire from 
GE and will begin what is perhaps his most noble endeavor. Together 
with his wife, Cecilia, Cliff has established a charitable foundation, 
``Children Come First,'' that is dedicated to helping underprivileged 
children in Peru. Those of us who have worked with Cliff know that he 
will bring the same spirit and vigor that has exemplified his past 
undertakings to his foundation and that he will certainly continue to 
``Bring Good Things to Life'' for underprivileged kids.
  Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for all my colleagues in the House who 
have known and worked with Cliff over the years when I say we will miss 
him but wish him well in the next chapter of his fascinating career.

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