[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL PAUL ROBERSON-

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                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2003

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and work 
of retired Brigadier General Paul Roberson. Today, Paul was brought to 
his final resting place at our Nation's most hallowed ground, Arlington 
National Cemetery. Our friend and colleague now rests with America's 
national heroes.
   Although born a Californian, Paul's first assignment as an Air Force 
officer brought him to Texas, and he spent much of his career in the 
San Antonio area. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Paul's military honors 
included the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense 
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry 
Cross with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
   After a long, distinguished career with the United States Air Force, 
Paul led efforts in San Antonio to avoid the closure of Kelly AFB 
during the 1995 BRAC process. With the BRAC decision to close and 
realign Kelly AFB, Paul wasted no time in working to transform the 
largest base to be closed in the BRAC process into a productive and 
vibrant center for aerospace maintenance and international trade. Under 
his leadership, Kelly AFB became KellyUSA, which now boasts thousands 
of new jobs and a bright future as a leading industrial and trade 
center in South Texas. He has left a legacy of success.
   Creating KellyUSA was no easy task, and Paul approached it with both 
determination and optimism. I worked closely with Paul during these 
years after I came to Congress. Paul always had his list of priority 
action items and gently, but firmly, made his case. He met obstacles 
resolutely and with confidence. More often, he welcomed success with 
humility and appreciation. This is how I will remember Paul.
   Paul leaves behind a loving family and a community in San Antonio 
which he helped shape for the future. We all owe Paul our thanks and 
appreciation for his life of service to our Nation, to the United 
States Air Force, to KellyUSA, and to the people of San Antonio. Paul 
made public service an art, and we all thank him for the tapestry of 
his life's work.

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