[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING HARRIS D. ARLINSKY (RET.), USA GREEN BERETS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize LTC 
Harris David Arlinsky (retired) for 50 years of service to our country.
  This past June marks the 50th anniversary of when he volunteered for 
the Army National Guard at 17 years old. He did so proudly. After 
serving in the regular Army for a few years, Colonel Arlinsky attended 
college at the University of Arizona. He set his sights on being an Air 
Force pilot; unfortunately, his blurry vision made this impossible. 
Upon graduation and accepting a commission in the U.S. Army, then-
Second Lieutenant Arlinsky attended training for the newly created U.S. 
Special Forces. The Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are 
the best of the best and have been instrumental in countless conflicts. 
Colonel Arlinsky knew he belonged with the elite forces and passed 
their extremely difficult tests to gain the coveted Green Beret.
  As a Green Beret, he commanded a ``B'' Team for the Fifth Special 
Forces Group in Pleiku, Vietnam. He served two tours and was involved 
in pushing back Vietcong forces during the Tet Offensive. After the 
Vietnam War, Colonel Arlinsky continued to serve our nation through 
various Special Forces projects. Eventually, he left active duty to 
serve the civilian intelligence services, maintaining reserve status.
  During the Reagan administration, Harris Arlinsky worked directly for 
Vice President George Bush as the Special Intelligence Advisor for the 
National Narcotics Border Interdiction System for the southwest U.S. 
border region. While in the region, he also commanded a U.S. Special 
Forces ``B'' team with five ``A'' teams in Texas and New Mexico. Upon 
completion of the assignment, he returned to Virginia to assist with 
other national intelligence agencies.
  Today he is enjoying his retirement as a college professor, spending 
time with his wife, Kathleen; his children Beth, Abra, and Michael; and 
his grandson, Elias.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend COL Harris Arlinsky 
for his service to our Nation. He nobly has dedicated his life to the 
safety and well being of the United States of America. As COL Harris 
Arlinsky continues to celebrate his 50th anniversary of his first month 
of service to us, let us thank him and all our soldiers for their 
sacrifices. I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting COL Harris 
Arlinsky.

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