[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GENERAL MICHAEL HAGEE

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to GEN 
Michael W. Hagee, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, as he prepares to 
relinquish the helm of the Corps and retire to private life after more 
than 38 years of selfless service to our Nation as a U.S. Marine.
  Mike Hagee was well prepared for leadership. Raised in 
Fredericksburg, TX, as the son of a Navy veteran, General Hagee 
received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating 
with distinction, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1968. 
General Hagee also holds a master of science degree in electrical 
engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, a master of arts 
degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War 
College, and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff 
College.
  General Hagee is a Marine's marine. As a battle-tested infantry 
officer, he served as an infantry platoon and company commander in 
Vietnam, a battalion commander, Marine expeditionary unit commander, 
and as the commanding general of the First Marine Division and the 
First Marine Expeditionary Force. From the fire-swept rice paddies of 
Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom, his keen vision and steadfast 
leadership have set the standard for future generations of marines. In 
addition to these commands, General Hagee's professional career has 
included a wide variety of other command and staff assignments 
including two tours of duty instructing at the U.S. Naval Academy and a 
tour in the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence.
  General Hagee's impeccable service and brave leadership are also 
reflected in the awards he has received throughout his career. His 
personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal 
with palm, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two 
Gold Stars, Bronze Star with Combat ``V,'' Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star, Navy Achievement 
Medal with one Gold Star, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the National 
Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal.
  In early 2003, General Hagee became the 33rd Commandant of a Marine 
Corps that was fully engaged in the global war on terror. Since then, 
many of us in these Chambers have had the privilege to work with 
General Hagee on matters of great importance to our Nation's defense. 
The Marine Corps' professionalism, adaptability, and excellence as they 
operate across the full spectrum of conflict are a testament to his 
vision and exemplary leadership.
  I know that a grateful Nation shares my admiration for the general--a 
courageous leader whose discerning wisdom and deep sense of duty have 
been a linchpin to the security of this Nation during a truly 
challenging time--we have been fortunate in having him as the 
Commandant of our Corps of Marines. I am confident that my colleagues 
join me in expressing the gratefulness of the U.S. Senate, as well as 
thanking his wife Silke and their children for the years they have 
shared him with his country. Godspeed, General Hagee we wish you well.

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