[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 76 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           LTG MICHAEL HAMEL: HONORING A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 8, 2008

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, the Space and Missile System Center, SMC, 
at L.A. Air Force Base plays the critical role in the design, 
production, and launch of our country's most sophisticated military 
satellites. Located in El Segundo, CA, in the center of my 
congressional district, SMC has enjoyed 58 consecutive successful 
launches. Employing 6,500 military and civilian personnel nationally, 
with a whopping $10 billion annual budget--SMC is a major economic 
driver in southern California.
  The importance of SMC to our national security cannot be overstated 
either. In my many terms in Congress, I've always worked closely with 
the SMC commander, who is much more than a mission manager. LTG Mike 
Hamel, the present commander, retires in July, and I rise to honor his 
extraordinary service.
  Mike and I have often talked about America's strategy for space. 
Framing a new, nationally integrated space policy--one bringing 
together the civil, military, and commercial sectors--is a common goal 
of ours. I applaud him for his visionary leadership on this issue--and 
look forward to more conversations about getting it right.
  Mike Hamel has served his country with distinction for 36 years, 
since receiving his commission as second lieutenant from the U.S. Air 
Force Academy in 1972. In the course of 16 assignments, he rose to the 
rank of lieutenant general, which he attained on June 1, 2005.
  The change of command ceremony occurs May 15, a date Congress is in 
session. Though I will miss the transfer of command to the very able 
GEN John Sheridan, I look forward to partnering with him and to 
welcoming a tanned and relaxed Mike Hamel to Washington after he and 
his wife, Linda, complete their drive across the country.
  Thanks, Mike, on behalf of a grateful Nation.

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