[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 132 (Wednesday, November 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING ADMIRAL RICHARD TRULY ON HIS RETIREMENT AS DIRECTOR OF THE 
                  NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY LABORATORY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
American. At the end of this year, after a lifetime of dedicated 
service to his country, Admiral Richard Truly will be stepping down as 
Director of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) located in 
Golden, Colorado.
  As many of you know, NREL is the U.S. Department of Energy's premier 
laboratory for renewable energy research and development and a leading 
laboratory for energy efficiency research. Since first being elected to 
Congress two years ago, I have had the distinct pleasure of 
representing NREL and the many talented and dedicated employees that 
work at the lab. Through the leadership of Admiral Truly, NREL has 
continued to be at the forefront of new scientific discoveries, 
developing new energy technologies to benefit both the environment and 
the economy.
  I first became acquainted with Richard Truly through his position as 
Director of NREL, but as I later learned this is but one of the many 
great contributions he has made to his country in his storied career as 
a public servant. Prior to his service at NREL, Admiral Truly served as 
NASA's eighth Administrator under President Bush from 1989-92, and his 
career in aviation and space programs of the U.S. Navy and NASA spanned 
35 years. He retired as a Vice Admiral after a Navy career of more than 
30 years. As a naval aviator, test pilot and astronaut, he logged over 
7,500 hours and made over 300 carrier arrested landings, day and night.
  Under his leadership, NASA matured the Space Shuttle, solidified 
Space Station plans and initiated new space science and aeronautics 
programs. He initiated major acquisition reforms and significantly 
streamlined the agency. He continually placed a very strong emphasis on 
NASA's math and science educational programs. In recognition of these 
accomplishments, President Reagan awarded the Presidential Citizen's 
Medal to Admiral Truly in 1989.
  While I am quite certain that the great works that Admiral Truly and 
his staff have been able to accomplish since he began serving as 
Director of NREL in May of 1997 will continue under new leadership, the 
next Director will certainly have big shoes to fill.
  Again, I want to congratulate him for his many outstanding years of 
public service. I wish both him and his wife many years of happiness as 
they move into this new stage of their lives.

                          ____________________