[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E420-E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF GENERAL WAYNE DOWNING (RET.) 
  BEING THE RECIPIENT OF THE GENERAL ALEXANDER M. HAIG ``GUARDIAN OF 
               LIBERTY AWARD'' BY THE WEST POINT SOCIETY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on March 18th, the West 
Point Society recognized the outstanding service of General Wayne 
Downing (Ret.) by awarding him the General Alexander M. Haig ``Guardian 
of Liberty Award;'' an honor that is presented to select individuals 
who exemplify West Point's motto of ``Duty, Honor, and Country.'' I 
want to take a moment and recognize General Downing's contribution to 
the United States Army as well as the security of our nation.
  General Wayne A. Downing, U.S. Army (Retired) is a graduate of the 
U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he earned a Bachelors of 
Science degree in 1962. General Downing also holds an M.B.A. from 
Tulane University. A highly decorated combat veteran, General Downing 
served in a variety of command assignments in the infantry, armor, 
special operations, and joint units, culminating in his appointment as 
the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command. He saw 
combat during two tours in Vietnam and later as a general officer, 
Downing commanded the special operations of all services during the 
1989 invasion of Panama and commanded a joint special operations task 
force operating deep behind the Iraqi lines during Operation Desert 
Storm.
  After 34 years of service to the United States, General Downing 
continued to serve his nation after his retirement from the Army. He 
was appointed by the President to assess the 1996 terrorist attack on 
the U.S. base at Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. From 1999-2000, General 
Downing served as member of the Congressionally mandated National 
Commission on Terrorism, known as the Bremer Commission. And most 
recently, he served the White House as National Director and Deputy 
National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism.
  There is no question that General Downing's service to the United 
States is a tribute to patriotism and dedication to service. I now want 
to read into the Record a letter written by the superintendent of 
General Downing's alma mater, West Point in recognition of his being 
awarded the ``Guardian of Liberty Award.'' The letter, from Lt. General 
William Lennox reads:

       Dear General Downing: Congratulations on receiving the 
     General Alexander M. Haig, Jr., Guardian of Liberty Award. 
     All of us at the United States Military Academy are

[[Page E421]]

     proud of your many achievements. Your career of distinguished 
     service is a tribute to your professionalism as an officer 
     and leader of character to the nation. Your accomplishments, 
     past and present, are exceptionally well known. Your receipt 
     of this award is yet another confirmation by the West Point 
     Society of Philadelphia and the Long Gray Line that you have 
     been an outstanding role model for us all. For you, the words 
     from our Alma Mater ring true, ``May it be said, well done!'' 
     The Corps of cadets, staff and faculty and the entire West 
     Point community wish you the very best in the years ahead.
           Sincerely,
                                            William J. Lennox, Jr.
                     Lieutenant General, U.S. Army Superintendent.

  Congratulations, General Downing.

                          ____________________