[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 79 (Monday, June 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1092]]
                  TRIBUTE TO GENERAL ERIC K. SHINSEKI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 2, 2003

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity today to honor 
General Eric K. Shinseki, the 34th Chief of Staff of the United States 
Army. I have had the privilege of working with General Shinseki over 
these past 4 years, as he set forth a vision, and then followed with a 
plan of execution, that will culminate in a complete Transformation of 
the premier land force in the world today--The United States Army.
  General Eric K. Shinseki is a soldier General, a soldier's soldier. 
He began his Army career after graduating from the United States 
Military Academy in 1965. He served two combat tours in the Republic of 
Vietnam. I should note that this officer has been carried off the 
battlefield on the backs of soldiers. It is because of these soldiers, 
that he has served so long, and with so much distinction. Despite 
receiving serious wounds in battle, General Shinseki remained on active 
duty out of his utmost respect for the young, American soldier he 
encountered in Vietnam. While he may not have been aware at that time, 
the experience he garnered under the tutelage of non-commissioned 
officers as a new officer instilled the discipline and direction that 
would ultimately place him as The Army's ``point man''. General 
Shinseki excelled at every level, in command and in staff positions, 
both in the continental United States and overseas. He commanded the 
1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, became Deputy Chief of Staff 
for Operations and Plans at Headquarters Department of the Army, served 
as the Commanding General, United States Army Europe, Commander Allied 
Land Forces Central Europe; and Commander, NATO Stabilization Force in 
Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 1998, he assumed the duties as the 28th Vice 
Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
  On June 22, 1999, General Shinseki became the Chief of Staff of the 
United States Army. Since assuming that position, General Shinseki's 
commitment and leadership have contributed immeasurably to ensuring 
that America's Army is unmatched by any in our history in its skill and 
professionalism. General Shinseki began a transformation that will 
fundamentally reform the Army and position it for continuing excellence 
and achievement in the coming decades. The path of Transformation is 
one that is filled with challenges, and unexpected events. While he was 
charting a course for the Army's Transformation, General Shinseki was 
charged with ensuring The Army was again prepared to go in to battle. 
At the onset, the Global War on Terrorism began to consume assets. 
Quickly on the heels of this, was Operation Noble Eagle--the defense of 
the American Homeland, in Operation Enduring Freedom--the attack on AI 
Qaeda's lair, and Operation Iraqi Freedom--the liberation of Iraq. 
These events served as a galvanizing catalyst to General Shinseki's 
vision for Transformation. The Army was now one Army, at war and 
transforming. Whether active, National Guard, or Reserve, it is one 
Army. Throughout all this, General Shinseki has provided a steady hand 
that as a result leaves the Army, and its men and women, in one of the 
highest states of readiness ever.

  After more than 35 years service to the nation, General Shinseki will 
retire from the United States Army this month. Throughout that entire 
period, General Shinseki's actions have epitomized those of a soldier, 
leader, and consummate professional. Always mission-focused and 
soldier-centered, he upheld the Army's non-negotiable mission contract 
with the American people to fight and win the nation's wars, while 
never forgetting that it is the sacrifice and skill of the American 
soldier that makes those victories possible.
  Mr. Speaker, the Constitution of this great country charges this body 
to raise and support Armies. The Transformation that is underway in our 
Army is one that is steeped in history, and fraught with vision. While 
we are charged to raise an Army, it is an officer of such caliber as 
General Shinseki's, who will ensure its training, its readiness, its 
ability to answer when the country calls. As we have witnessed since 
September 11, 2001, the freedoms we enjoy, come at a price. Our nation 
has been fortunate to have men and women willing to come forward at 
times of crisis and challenge to pay that price. We now add another 
name to that distinguished list; General Eric K. Shinseki. It is 
through dedication, and the selfless devotion to duty of Americans like 
him, that our nation is able to continue upon the path of democracy. To 
provide global response and assistance when and where needed. It is 
with profound admiration and deep appreciation that I pay tribute to 
General Shinseki for all that he has done for the United States Army 
and this country. To General Eric K. Shinseki, the 34th Chief of Staff 
of The United States Army, on behalf of this Congress, and of a 
grateful nation, Thank you for your service.

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