[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E66]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING STEVE MONTGOMERY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to Steve Montgomery, an exemplary community leader, businessman 
and citizen from Kentucky's Second Congressional District. A charter 
member of the CORE Committee at Fort Knox, Steve is stepping down from 
his duties after 14 years of dedicated service marked by tremendous 
growth and success.
  Steve Montgomery first came to Radcliff, KY in 1983 to buy and 
operate an auto dealership. He has remained in the community for 22 
years, distinguishing himself as a business leader and good neighbor. 
As a charter member, Steve has served on the CORE Committee since its 
inception. One of Steve's first recorded duties was to arrange a 
meeting for the group with MG Foley, then Fort Knox Commanding General. 
MG Foley was briefed on the details of CORE activities and objectives 
at the congressional, state and Fort Knox levels. Following their 
initial meeting with Senator McConnell in 1992, the CORE Committee was 
directed to devote primary focus on securing the future of Fort Knox. 
In this effort, the Committee has ably managed numerous challenges 
throughout the years that have followed.
  In 1992, the Committee played a major role in the decision to 
relocate USAREC Headquarters to Fort Knox after Fort Sheridan closed. 
Soon thereafter, the CORE Committee began conducting informational 
briefings for local governments and business requesting monetary 
support. Steve Montgomery was elected Vice Chairman in 1993 and 
immediately worked to build a strong rapport with Kentucky's 
Congressional Delegation. Steve was elected Chairman of the CORE 
Committee in 1996. During his Chairmanship, Fort Knox has endured an 
especially active decade as the post adapted to a new security 
environment, carried on a wartime training mission, managed BRAC 
considerations and the significant administrative changes that have 
followed.
  Under Steve Montgomery's leadership, funding was secured to modernize 
facilities, such as the new STARBASE barracks, significantly enhancing 
Fort Knox's future viability. Perhaps Steve's greatest legacy will be 
his tireless promotion of Fort Knox's military value during Base 
Realignment and Closure proceedings in 2005. Because of his critical 
contributions, working with the Governor, Members of Congress, and 
private consultants, Fort Knox remains open today, adapting to a new 
mission as a vital multi-functional home to operational Army forces and 
various administrative commands. Steve leaves the CORE Committee having 
completed the mission he was assigned many years earlier in the 
committee's nascence.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Steve Montgomery today, before 
the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his example of leadership 
and service. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for 
his invaluable contributions to the CORE Committee, Fort Knox, and the 
Greater Radcliff community. His unique achievements make him an 
outstanding American worthy of our collective honor and respect.

                          ____________________