[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 67 (Thursday, May 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF GEN. PETER PACE, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF 
                                 STAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2005

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride in honoring 
an extraordinary individual, Marine Corps General Peter Pace, who was 
recently nominated to serve as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff of the United States Armed Forces. General Pace was raised in 
Teaneck, New Jersey, one of the largest municipalities in the 
Congressional District that I am privileged to represent. General Pace 
has risen to become the first Marine to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 
an honor that he has earned through decades of hard work and 
determination. His story is a source of inspiration to every resident 
of the Garden State.
  The son of an Italian immigrant, Peter Pace was born in Brooklyn, New 
York, and moved to Teaneck with his family the following year. After 
settling down in a home on Hillside Avenue, Peter quickly became 
involved in local youth athletics. While attending Teaneck High School, 
Peter worked hard and achieved academic excellence, which resulted in 
his acceptance to the United States Naval Academy in 1963.
  Upon graduation from Annapolis and successful completion of The Basic 
School in Quantico, VA, Peter Pace was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 
5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam and served 
as a Rifle Platoon Leader. After returning from his combat duty in 
Vietnam, Peter served in a number of different staff and command 
positions, including Head of the Infantry Writer Unit at the Marine 
Corps Institute, Security Detachment Commander at Camp David, White 
House Social Aide, and Leader of the Special Ceremonial Platoon.
  In April of 1971, Peter was promoted to the rank of Captain, and was 
later assigned to a Security Detachment in Thailand. In the late 
1970's, then-Captain Peter Pace held the position of Operations Officer 
and Division Staff Secretary at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, 
where he later served as Commanding Officer of the 2n Battalion, First 
Marines Division following his promotion to the rank of Major in June 
of 1980. After heading up a Marine Corps Recruitment Station in 
Buffalo, NY and attending the National War College, Major Pace was 
promoted to the rank of Colonel in October of 1988, and advanced to the 
rank of Brigadier General in April of 1992. He was then appointed as 
President of the Marine Corps University before assuming various other 
commands. In recent years, as Vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff, General Pace has been instrumental in shaping the Pentagon's 
efforts in the war on terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in giving 
our heartiest congratulations to General Peter Pace, the new Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces, and a 
proud example of the Teaneck Public School System. His remarkable 
achievements and tireless service to his country, the United States 
Marine Corps, and his fellow servicemen and women clearly are a 
tremendous source of pride for all Americans and especially all his 
friends and family from New Jersey.

                          ____________________