[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 142 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MAJOR GENERAL TERRY TUCKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 1, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to a remarkable soldier and citizen from my home state. Major 
General Terry Tucker recently relinquished command of the Fort Knox or 
School, bringing to a close a 3-year tenure marked by unprecedented 
growth and change at one of America's most important military 
installations.
  Generl Tucker joined the Army in 1972, signing in at the same 
building at Fort Knox where, 31 years later, he would take full 
installation command. Raised on a dirt farm in West Virginia, General 
Tucker, with the help of an Army scholarship was the first member of 
his family to graduate from college. After completing his initial 4-
year obligation to the Army, General Tucker and his wife Patti went on 
to fulfill a wide variety of military assignments at home and abroad 
throughout their 33 years of service to our country.
  Upon his return to Fort Knox, first as Deputy Commanding General in 
2000, then as Commanding General in 2003, General Tucker presided over 
a wide scope of critical responsibilities. Along with managing on-base 
training, he was authorized to develop and implement training for the 
entire United States Mounted Force, changing the way soldiers are 
trained to meet a new wartime mission. General Tucker successfully 
matched this training with a strong focus on improved combat systems 
and equipment, such as the Abrams tank and the Bradley IFV, to meet new 
and emerging threats.
  During his time at Fort Knox, General Tucker's leadership inspired 
officers and civilians to be good neighbors, making Fort Knox and its 
surrounding communities a better place to live and work. In this 
capacity, General Tucker worked hard to build partnerships with 
community organizations to support Fort Knox Soldiers and their 
families. General Tucker also oversaw critical improvements to the 
Garrison and IMA, modernizing facilities to enhance Fort Knox's future 
viability.
  Perhaps General Tucker's most enduring legacy to the citizens of my 
congressional district will be his tireless promotion of Fort Knox's 
military value during Base Realignment and Closure proceedings this 
year. Because of his efforts, Fort Knox remains open, adapting to a new 
mission as a vital multi-functional home to operational army forces and 
various administrative commands.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Major General Terry Tucker 
today, before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his 
lifelong example of leadership and service. I would like to thank him 
personally for his exemplary stewardship at Fort Knox during a time of 
war and administrative transition. His unique achievements and 
dedication to the men and women of the U.S. Army make him an 
outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect.