[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 55 (Thursday, March 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF BRIGADIER GENERAL WILLIAM J. SHARROW

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 29, 2007

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Madam Speaker, today I wish to honor Brigadier 
General William J. Sharrow--a truly great American. Bill has tirelessly 
served this country for many years, managing some of our country's 
important military programs. Most recently, Bill served as my State 
Director, where he dedicated himself to tirelessly working for the 
people of Alaska.
  Born in Witherbee, New York on August 19, 1932, Bill entered the Army 
in 1952. He served with the 867th AAA Battalion at Fort Richardson, 
Alaska until his discharge in November 1954. He returned home to New 
York and joined an Army Reserve Unit. However, he realized his heart 
was back in Alaska and returned a short time later to make Alaska his 
permanent home. Bill joined the Alaskan Army National Guard where he 
served as First Sergeant of Company D, 207th Infantry Battalion until 
he was commissioned in November 1956.
  Some of Bill's many roles in the National Guard include: radio 
repairman, supply officer, administrative assistant, personnel officer 
and Command Administrative Assistant to the Adjutant General. His 
military assignments range from platoon leader to battalion commander. 
He served as Chief of Staff for the Alaska Army National Guard from 
1972 to 1974 and was appointed as Assistant Adjutant General on 
February 7, 1974. Bill's dedication to our Nation was federally 
recognized on June 25, 1974 when he was promoted to Brigadier General.
  During his 20 plus years of service to Alaska and to his country, 
Bill remained a strong leader who set an example of achievement that 
was unmatched. He represented the United States with honor and dignity 
and continuously strove for excellence. The loss to the United States 
the day Bill left his post, was a great gain to me and to all Alaskans.
  Bill worked for me for 24 years as my State Director. When I was 
unable to attend an important function or meeting, it was Bill that I 
always be trusted to represent me. We share a common love of Alaska and 
its people and it was comforting for me to know that when work forced 
me to remain in Washington, Bill would always be there to listen to the 
Alaskan people and keep them informed of our work.
  Bill has been happily married to Margaret for 52 years and is the 
father of 3 sons: David who lives in Anchorage, AK; Phillip who lives 
in Auckland, New Zealand; and Steven who lives in Fairbanks, AK. He is 
also the grandfather to 6 grandchildren. I know that Bill is looking 
forward to spending more time with his family and traveling around the 
world with the love of his life, Marg.
  Bill has always provided sage advice to colleagues and staff and done 
so with quick wit and much humor. Bill was an invaluable employee and 
he will be sorely missed but he continues to be a dear friend and 
confidant. I will miss his daily leadership and guidance but know that 
our friendship will endure. My wife Lu and I wish him and Marg all the 
best as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

                          ____________________