[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 72 (Thursday, June 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1047]]


               TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL WALTER E. GASKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great 
Georgian and a great American, MG Walter E. Gaskin, who is taking 
command of the 2nd Marine Division this week, in this, his 32nd year in 
the United States Marine Corps.
  Major General Gaskin was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, and 
attended Savannah State University on a Naval ROTC scholarship. He 
graduated in 1974 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. Upon 
completing training, he was assigned to the Second Marines. He served 
as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Executive Officer of Company K and the 
106 Recoilless Rifle Platoon Commander for 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines.
  The young Marine went on to be stationed in Okinawa and at Parris 
Island, before returning home to Savannah to serve as the Marine 
Officer Instructor and recruiting officer for Naval ROTC at his alma 
mater. While in Georgia, he also served as the assistant Officer 
Selection Officer at the Recruiting Station in Macon.
  In 1984, Gaskin joined the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines where he served 
as an Operations Officer. From there he was selected to attend the U.S. 
Army Command and General Staff College. From 1987 until 1990, he served 
as an action officer at Marine Corps Headquarters and Marine Corps 
Combat Development Command (MCCDC), in charge of Unit Environmental 
Training Programs, Jungle, Cold Weather, and Combined Arms Exercises. 
Next, Gaskin served as Head, Ground Forces Branch in Seoul, South 
Korea, then as an Operations Officer for the 2nd Marine Expeditionary 
Force during exercises in Norway.
  Gaskin then attended the U.S. Army War College and was subsequently 
assigned as the Executive Officer, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. In 
1995, he assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, and later he 
deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as the Commanding Officer of 
Battalion Landing Team under the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. There 
he participated in Operation Assured Response and Quick Response in 
Defense of American Embassies in Liberia and the Central African 
Republic. In 1998, he returned to Camp Lejeune as Head of Expeditionary 
Operation for the Second Expeditionary Unit.
  In January 1999, Major General Gaskin assumed command of the 22nd 
Marine Expeditionary Unit. In September of that year, he deployed with 
them to the Mediterranean Sea as Landing Force Sixth Fleet. While 
there, the 22nd participated in the Bright Star Exercises in Egypt and 
the Infinite Moonlight Exercises in Jordan. His unit also served as the 
Strategic Reserve for operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
  In March 2000, he became the Commanding General, Training Command, 
Training and Education Command, MCCDC. Major General Gaskin then rose 
to Chief of Staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe 
and Deputy Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces Europe, in Naples, 
Italy. He took command of Marine Corps Recruiting Command in September 
2004. In October 2005, he was promoted to the rank of Major General.
  His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, 
Legion of Merit with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award, Bronze Star with 
combat ``V,'' Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service 
Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 2 Gold Stars in 
lieu of 3rd award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the 
Combat Action Ribbon.
  Mr. Speaker, Major General Gaskin is the highest ranking African 
American in the Marine Corps. He is an inspiration for young men and 
women, and I stand here to honor him today for his years of service to 
this Nation.

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