[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 29 (Monday, February 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S2594]]
                        REMEMBERING RUSS ROURKE

 Mr. MILLER. Mr. President, I note with deep regret the recent 
passing of a dedicated public official, defense leader, and a fellow 
Marine, Russell A. Rourke.
  From his humble beginnings in the Bronx, Russ Rourke put himself 
through the University of Maryland and Georgetown Law School. Through 
hard work and perseverance, he went on to great success here on Capitol 
Hill, at the White House, the Pentagon, and later in the private 
sector.
  He served as a top legislative aide in the Congress for 20 years, was 
a Special Assistant to President Ford, Assistant Secretary of Defense 
for Legislative Affairs, and Secretary of the Air Force under President 
Ronald Reagan.
  Despite these many high honors, Russ made it clear that the highest 
honor he ever hoped to attain was when he earned the right to wear the 
eagle, globe and anchor. Throughout his life, nothing else transcended 
the honor and title of United States Marine. He revered the Marine 
Corps, its way of life, its traditions and values.
  Russ was on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, 
including service in Korea. He remained in an active capacity with the 
Marine Corps Reserve, and retired after 32 years of service with the 
rank of colonel in July 1985.
  Throughout his career, Russ was recognized as a proponent for a 
strong national defense. When he served in the Reagan administration as 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, he was once 
described by the New York Times as Defense Secretary Cap Weinberger's 
``chief scout and musket loader in defending the military budget 
against a siege of skeptics in Congress.''
  As in my life, Russ Rourke's life experience were embodied in the 
Marine Corps culture and ethos. In all that he did, he conducted 
himself at all times as foremost a Marine, with honesty and conviction, 
with a high sense of duty and great pride. His devotion to family, 
country, and Corps was legendary and an inspiration. His distinguished 
career demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, 
professionalism, and devotion to public service.
  Russ died at the age of 71 on January 19 after a lengthy battle with 
malignant melanoma. He leaves his lovely wife and partner of 41 years, 
Judith Muller Rourke, of Annapolis, MD, their three married daughters, 
and four grandchildren. Russ also leaves a Marine Corps legacy. His 
nephew, Col. Arthur White, is the current State liaison for the Marine 
Corps.
  I am extremely proud of my fellow Marine, the Honorable Russell A. 
Rourke. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, many in 
the House and the Senate, and the men and women in the uniformed 
services. Our Nation's military might is stronger today because of his 
sterling leadership and his numerous contributions in service to his 
country.

                          ____________________