[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2516-E2517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO C.A. MACK McKINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an 
American hero, a loyal friend to everyone who wears the uniform of our 
Nation's military. C.A. ``Mack'' McKinney, veteran of three wars and 
distinguished military legislative advocate for over 30 years died 
November 15, 2005. He was 80 years old.
  In 1942, Mack McKinney enlisted with the Marine Corps at age 17 to 
join America's. fight against tyranny and oppression, and shipped off 
to war. He served honorably and tirelessly for over 29 years and 
participated in the invasion of Okinawa during WorId War II, the Korean 
conflict, and the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War before retiring 
as a Sergeant Major of Marines in 1971. McKinney is the recipient of 16 
medals and commendations including the Combat Action Ribbon.
  McKinney's service to this country did not end with his retirement, 
however. Over the next 34 years he lent his time and efforts to 
improving the recruiting, retention and readiness of the Armed Forces 
by petitioning Congress for military compensation and benefits packages 
commensurate with the ``extraordinary demands and sacrifices associated 
with military service.'' McKinney devoted his talents to a number of 
organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of America's fighting 
forces, as well as their families. At the time of his death he was 
legislative counsel for the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), 
headquartered in Alexandria, Va.
  Mack McKinney began his long public-service career with the Marine 
Corps League (MCL) and the Non-Commissioned Officers Association 
(NCOA). He played a key role in these organizations and was credited 
with helping stem the losses of highly skilled mid-career military 
personnel by convincing leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services 
Committees to authorize two consecutive double-digit pay raises during 
the late 1970s.

[[Page E2517]]

  Recognizing that there is strength in numbers, McKinney became a 
driving force behind the creation of The Military Coalition (TMC) in 
1985, and the original 12 co-founding organizations stopped legislation 
that would have zeroed out retired pay cost-of-living adjustments for a 
7 year period. He served as TMC co-chairman, coordinator and 
administrator--having been reelected as the latter on November 3, 2005. 
He also mentored numerous TMC organization representatives, imparting 
them with his vast knowledge of military benefits and the legislative 
process. Today TMC is comprised of 36 military and veterans' 
organizations and represents more than 5.5 million active duty, 
National Guard, Reserve, retirees and veterans of the uniformed 
services as well as their families and survivors.
  In 1987 McKinney was appointed a member of the Veterans 
Administration Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials, a position he 
held until 1993.
  NCOA recognized his accomplishments by establishing an award in his 
name--the C.A. ``Mack'' McKinney Award--presented annually to current 
or former uniformed service members who exemplify professionalism, 
dedication, and service to the country.
  He was also the first ever recipient of the Marine Corps League's 
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Award for Commitment, and was honored by 
the U.S. Coast Guard with the Meritorious Public Service Award ``for 
providing consistent and exceptional support to the Coast Guard.''
  McKinney was a member of numerous professional organizations and held 
leadership roles in many of them. He was a founding member and 
President Emeritus of the Exchange Club of Capitol Hill and helped 
found the Gang of 30 for the purpose of fostering good fellowship and 
staying abreast of Corps' activities for active duty and retired 
Marines. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 
Disabled American Veterans, First and Third, Marine Divisions 
Associations, Marine Corps Aviation Association, Congressional Marines, 
Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Marine Corps Heritage 
Foundation, the Marine Corps Association and the Fleet Reserve 
Association. He was also a charter member of and second president 
elected to head the Combined National Veterans Association as well as a 
charter member of the Combined National Veterans Associations of 
America.
  In 2004, he was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for 
Distinguished Public Service, the Award citation reads in part:

       Mr. McKinney played a decisive role in winning enactment of 
     virtually every significant legislative initiative affecting 
     compensation and benefits for active, Reserve and Guard, and 
     retired service members...

  Above and beyond his enviable work ethic, Mr. Speaker, Mack 
McKinney's most memorable quality was his impressive knowledge of 
legislative issues affecting the service member. McKinney could speak 
to the issues passionately and convincingly, whether it was one-on-one, 
or to an entire room. He had a way of speaking that drew attention to 
his words, and his presence commanded attention. Well known at military 
retiree and transition seminars, McKinney constantly implored service 
members to stay abreast of the issues that affected their quality-of-
life, remarking often that ``what Congress gives, Congress can take 
away.''
  McKinney was also famous for his sense of humor and was quick with a 
joke. When remarking about his time in the Marine Corps he would say, 
``I stayed in 29 years and 6 months because I didn't want to make it a 
career.'' In an interview with Navy Times reporter Rick Maze in 2000, 
he remarked on his position with the FRA, one he held for 10 years: 
``I've been here longer than all but a handful of Senators and 
Representatives but I'm not ready to retire. In fact, my wife won't let 
me. She says she married me for better or worse but not for lunch.''
  Mr. Speaker, Sergeant Major Mack McKinney worked until the very end 
to better the quality-of-life for America's veterans and their 
families. He held strong to his belief that: ``There is a lot more that 
needs to be done, and I'm going to keep trying to do it. Enlisted 
people need someone looking out for them.'' I am proud to have known 
Mack and honored to call him my friend, I will miss him dearly. Mack 
McKinney is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Rosemarie, three 
children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

                          ____________________