[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 100 (Thursday, July 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1568-E1569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO COL. MICHAEL J. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Colonel Michael J. Smith, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, for his 
support of our Soldiers in their ongoing war on terrorism and in 
particular for his innovative approach to shortening the acquisition 
cycle for critical new weapon systems. Of particular note was his 
success in rapidly fielding the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station 
(CROWS). Through his vision and calculated risk taking, he has rapidly 
fielded this and other systems which have demonstrably led to the 
saving Soldier and civilian lives in Iraq. This has been a true force 
protection success story and a force multiplier for the Army.
  Col. Smith's innovations benefit Soldiers, policy makers, and tax 
payers by streamlining the costly test and acquisition process. His 
wise use of tax dollars resulted in Soldiers receiving the best 
possible equipment and enabling the rapid fielding of new technologies 
to enhance soldier capability while ensuring soldier safety. Through 
his leadership, Col. Smith

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established new levels of cooperation and teamwork between his program 
office and the numerous contractors involved in his programs. He 
embodies the highest tenants of Acquisition Reform and the Army's 
innovative Rapid Fielding Initiative.

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