[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 107 (Thursday, June 26, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING COLONEL RICHARD J. MASON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BEN CHANDLER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2008

  Mr. CHANDLER. Madam Speaker, COL Richard J. Mason, Jr. demonstrated 
exceptional meritorious service from 30 June 2005 to 10 July 2008 as 
Commander of Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD), a 15,000 acre depot in 
Richmond, Kentucky. He was responsible for the production, receipt, 
storage, issue, maintenance and demilitarization of conventional 
munitions.
   Serving as the consummate depot commander, Colonel Mason oversaw an 
organization that supported the troops with ammunition and Chemical 
Defense Equipment. He safeguarded and ensured the operational readiness 
of a munitions stockpile while executing the shipping and receiving of 
over 250,000 short tons of munitions.
   As the sole provider chemical personnel equipment, Colonel Mason's 
untiring efforts to improve support to the troops were superb. By 
eliminating erroneous shipments to incorrect locations, the cost of 
transportation was reduced by over 30 percent and ability to provide 
equipment to soldiers on the battlefield increased significantly 
without requiring additional manpower. Specifically, Colonel Mason's 
efforts to support the fielding of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected 
(MRAP) armor kits to the troops were commendable.
   He contributed to the future of the BGAD by developing its first 
Strategic Business Plan which integrated all aspects of logistics and 
business processes while providing a clear vision for the Depot's 
future. He also initiated a continuous business improvement culture 
across the Depot by improving processes, reducing costs, eliminating 
waste and improving ergonomics and safety.
   A native of Oldtown, Maryland, Colonel Mason arrived at Blue Grass 
Army Depot in July 2005 as a highly regarded and decorated leader in 
the Army. Prior to arriving at BGAD, Colonel Mason served as the Chief 
of Support for Task Force Sinai in El Gora, Egypt among other 
leadership positions in the United States and Germany. Colonel Mason's 
Change of Command will take place July 10, 2008.

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