[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10710]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GENERAL JIM SHANE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I rise to salute the service of a 
distinguished Kentuckian. This gentleman recently ended a long career 
devoted to the service of his country and our commonwealth.
  His name is Jim Shane, and I am proud to say Jim is a friend of mine. 
Jim recently stepped down as executive director of the Kentucky 
Commission on Military Affairs, a post he held since 1997. During his 
tenure, Jim can point to many accomplishments, but he was particularly 
instrumental in preparing Kentucky for the rigors of the 2005 Base 
Realignment and Closure--BRAC--process. The commonwealth, in particular 
Fort Knox, was a big winner in the BRAC process, and no one was more 
instrumental in this success than Jim.
  Jim had a vision for Fort Knox, one in which the installation would 
again be a home to combat troops and to a number of major Army 
commands. He then worked tirelessly with Federal and State officials, 
the BRAC Commission and the Department of Defense to make that 
conception of Fort Knox a reality. The result was that Fort Knox 
emerged revitalized from the BRAC process. Consequently, central 
Kentucky stands to gain immeasurably from the economic benefits 
stemming from the installation's enhancement, and our armed forces will 
be the better for Fort Knox's improved stature.
  Prior to his service for Kentucky, Jim served his country with great 
distinction. He spent 27 years of commissioned service in the Army, 
rising to the rank of brigadier general. His career highlights include 
service as Deputy Commanding General, United States Recruiting Command, 
in which he was responsible for manning the Army's all-volunteer force.
  Jim also received numerous medals, awards and decorations for his 
efforts in the Army including the Distinguished Service Medal, the 
Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star 
Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the 
Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army 
Achievement Medal, the Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff Identification badge.
  I am proud to say that Jim is also a fellow alumnus of the University 
of Louisville.
  Mr. President, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring this fine 
Kentucky patriot for his long and notable career of public service.

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