[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E865]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING COLONEL HUGH L. DUKES, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2006

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to Chaplain (Colonel) Hugh Dukes, an exemplary minister, 
soldier, and citizen from my congressional district. Colonel Dukes and 
his wife Linda were honored earlier this month at a Court of Honor 
ceremony held at the United States Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, 
attended by the Commanding General and numerous other distinguished 
guests who gathered to celebrate Dukes' approaching retirement.
  A native of Carrollton, Georgia, Colonel Dukes is an ordained 
minister of the American Baptist Churches, USA. He received direct 
commission into the United States Army Chaplain Corps on July 4, 1976 
following his completion of theological studies at Duke University 
School of Divinity. After completing his 3-year obligation, Dukes 
joined the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell and went on to fulfill a 
wide variety of assignments at home and abroad throughout his 30 years 
of pastoral service to the U.S. Army.
  Prior to his assignment as Fort Knox Staff Chaplain, Colonel Dukes 
directed education and promotions for the Army's Chaplain Corps at the 
Pentagon. He was on hand as Acting Executive Officer for the Chief of 
Chaplains on September 11, 2001 when American Airlines Flight 77 
crashed into the building. He served earlier pastoral missions at the 
Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, and numerous other 
assignments with soldier divisions and brigades in Kentucky, Virginia, 
Hawaii, and South Korea.
  At Fort Knox, Colonel Dukes' supervises 23 unit chaplains with direct 
oversight of 17 different congregations. His leadership and spiritual 
guidance play an important role in the lives of thousands of soldiers, 
civilians, and their families, a fellowship that makes Fort Knox and 
its surrounding communities a great place to live and work. His 
spiritual advice has been especially important during a time of war as 
he's often called on by soldiers preparing for deployment or returning 
from combat contemplating serious questions about life and concern for 
loved ones.
  Chaplain Dukes' awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, 
Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement 
Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Chaplain (Colonel) Hugh Dukes 
today, before the U.S. House of Representatives, for his lifelong 
example of leadership and service. His 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.

                          ____________________