[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MS. OLLIE M. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Ms. Ollie M. Smith, who is retiring as Director of the Transition 
Assistance Program (TAP), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 
(Force Management Policy), after holding this position since November 
1996. TAP is a program run jointly by the Departments of Defense, 
Veterans Affairs, and Labor to assist separating servicemembers and 
their families as they transition into civilian life.
  Ms. Smith has dedicated her career to the Department of Defense, 
working for not only the Office of the Assistant Secretary, but also 
for the U.S. Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency. Ms. Smith's career 
began at the Naval Supply Systems Command as a Project Manager. She 
also served in the great State of South Carolina at the Charleston 
Naval Supply Center as a contracting officer.
  After serving on the Board of Naval Corrections from 1986 to 1993, 
Ms. Smith became Chief of Business Management, Defense Distribution 
Standard Center at the Headquarters of the Defense Logistics Agency. 
While there she was responsible for budget formulation, justification, 
and execution of the Defense Standard Systems budget.
  Since November 1996, her responsibilities have changed to the more 
human aspect of the Department of Defense. As the Director of TAP, she 
oversaw the automated outplacement assistance system, public and 
community service policy, and job seeker and employment outreach for 
active duty servicemembers and their families.
  Ms. Smith's enthusiasm, commitment, and professionalism are hallmarks 
of her persona.
  Thank you, Ollie, for your dedication to America's servicemembers and 
veterans. You are leaving a lasting legacy of dedicated service to 
America and those who protect our freedoms.

                          ____________________