[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MAJOR GENERAL PAUL D. MONROE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pride that I rise 
today to honor Major General Paul D. Monroe, Jr., the Adjutant General 
of the California National Guard for his 46 years of military service. 
He is a credit to his country and the National Guard. General Monroe's 
leadership and vision have brought the Guard into the 21st century and 
made the 22,000 soldiers and airmen under his command better prepared 
than ever before.
  Since September 11, General Monroe has mobilized nearly 10,000 
soldiers and airmen to fight in the war on terrorism, both at home and 
abroad. He has deployed soldiers and airmen to serve in Operation 
Enduring Freedom as well as in missions to secure our borders, bridges 
and airports.
  General Monroe has also helped the Guard reconnect with the 
communities in California. During his tenure, the Guard has partnered 
with numerous agencies and organizations to provide successful anti-
drug programs and youth education initiatives. The General truly 
understands the need to give back to the community, and he, along with 
the extraordinary men and women who serve under him, have made 
invaluable contributions to cities and towns throughout California.
  Recognizing the hard work and dedication of his soldiers and airmen, 
General Monroe had made ``member care'' a top priority, working 
tirelessly to provide high quality services for his troops. He has also 
established the California National Guard as an exemplary model for 
diversity and equal opportunity for guard members.
  General Monroe began his military career as an enlisted soldier in 
the U.S. Army in 1957 and joined the California Army National Guard in 
1961. He has served in Infantry, Signal, and Military Police Commands, 
and every level of command from platoon through brigade. He has been 
honored with over one dozen awards for his service with our Armed 
Forces.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a true 
American hero, Major General Paul D. Monroe, Jr. I extend my best 
wishes to the General, his wife Laura, their two children and their 
three grandchildren.

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