[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARILYN IVERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN M. McHUGH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Marilyn 
Iverson, the Chief Operating Officer of the Army and Air Force Exchange 
Service (AAFES). She is retiring after more than 34 years of service to 
our men and women in uniform. Ms. Iverson has been an exceptional 
leader and has played a key role in lifting AAFES to new levels of 
excellence in providing service members and their families with quality 
products and services. I am proud to honor Ms. Iverson for her superb 
accomplishments and outstanding service to Army and Air Force military 
communities around the globe.
  Marilyn Iverson began her career with AAFES in May 1971 and held many 
positions before becoming the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2002. 
During fiscal year 2005, AAFES revenues reached $8.7 billion worldwide 
and are expected to exceed $9 billion during fiscal year 2006. During 
her tenure AAFES generated more than $793 million in direct support for 
the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs that are so highly valued 
by military members and so critical to combat readiness.
  After a number of visits to Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations 
where U.S. forces are deployed, I have been most impressed with her 
efforts to provide unparalleled support to our deployed military with 
operations at 120 exchange facilities in 13 countries including many 
austere and hazardous locations. Under her leadership, AAFES also 
achieved a steady growth in sales, invested in a record 93 major 
construction projects on military installations, and developed a 
program to hire and develop a more diverse workforce.
  Our men and women in uniform have benefited from Ms. Iverson's 
unfailing work ethic, outstanding professionalism, and superb 
leadership. Her efforts have enabled our military leaders to provide 
essential quality of life programs and service to our deployed soldiers 
and the families they leave behind. On behalf of my colleagues, I thank 
her for her service to our country and wish her well in retirement.

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