[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 90 (Monday, July 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JAMES A. AHRENS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2002

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a long and 
exceptionally distinguished career has come to an end. Lt. Col. James 
Ahrens has retired as Director of Institutional Research from Wentworth 
Military Academy and Junior College in Lexington, MO.
  Lt. Col. Ahrens has led a life of serving his family, community and 
country. In 1962, he graduated from Grinnell College, Iowa, with a 
history degree and entered the United States Air Force as a radar 
controller and public affairs officer. While in the United States Air 
Force, James received a master's degree in Public Relations from the 
School of Public Communications at Boston University. He retired from 
all military service in 1995.
  Lt. Col. Ahrens arrived at Wentworth in January of 1982 to teach 
social science courses in the junior college division. While at 
Wentworth, he joined the 418th Civil Affairs Company in Grandview, MO, 
after receiving a direct commission in the United States Army Reserve 
as a Civil Affairs Officer. Lt. Col. Ahrens mobilized and commanded 
this unit as it served in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Turkey during 
Operations Desert Storm and Provide Comfort in 1991. He served as a 
detachment commander, company executive officer and commander before 
the end of his tour.
  During his years at Wentworth, he served as Assistant/Associate Dean, 
managing the Junior College from 1989 through academic year 1994. He 
served as acting Dean of Continuing Education until January 1995. He 
was also assigned as Director of Institutional Research from 1995 
through May 2001. Lt. Col. Ahrens also coached soccer, track, was a 
sponsor of the Civil War Living History Club and assisted with academic 
competition for high school students for a number of years.
  Lt. Col. Ahrens is an accomplished historian who has completed a 
history of Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College from 1947 
through 2000. He is also published in Vertical World magazine, which is 
a history of the United States Air Force Helicopter School.
  Lt. Col. Ahrens has distinguished himself as a husband, father, 
grandfather, teacher and soldier. He has and continues to make his 
friends and family proud. I am certain that my colleagues will join me 
in wishing Lt. Col. Ahrens and his family all the best.

                          ____________________