[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RON KEENEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2003

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dedicated civil servant and all around great American, Mr. Ron Keeney. 
After 37 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntington, WV, 
he is retiring and embarking on a new stage of life. I want to express 
my deepest gratitude for his many contributions.
  Ron Keeney has led a distinguished career and played a critical role 
in improving the lives and living conditions of thousands of people in 
my home district in Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Ron has been 
instrumental in getting a number of important flood control projects 
off the ground in my region and he shares my belief that we must 
carefully balance economic development with the needs of our rich 
natural environment. Through his efforts, the Huntington District has 
become an integral component of our region's PRIDE program, which is 
helping clean up our waterways and streams. I want to thank Ron for 
sharing my vision of how federal-local partnerships can bridge gaps, 
streamline the process, and make real contributions to people's daily 
lives.
  Ron is also widely respected within the Army Corp of Engineers. 
Beyond measure, Ron has improved the Huntington District's 
programmatic, oversight, planning, and fiscal performance. He has also 
proven invaluable as the District's key civilian decision-maker witih 
regard to strategic management of its major civil-works, environmental, 
and other programs and projects, including work for other Federal 
agencies.
  The list of awards bestowed upon Ron speaks volumes about his job 
performance, knowledge, and skills. During his career, he has received 
more than 30 outstanding/exceptional performance ratings. He also 
received the May 1999, Silver de Fleury Medal, the 1994 U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers Planner of the Year, and the 1994 and 1985 LRD Planner of 
the Year Award.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues and myself, I want to thank 
Ron Keeney for the time and effort he has put into the lives of others. 
Although his time with the Corps of Engineers is drawing to a close, I 
know the people of the Huntington District will continue to benefit 
from his contributions for many years to come. I want to wish him and 
his family all the best for this next stage of life.

                          ____________________