[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2933-E2934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ROBERT G. KIGGANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize Robert G. Kiggans of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and fellow 
alumnus of the Citadel, for a lifetime of distinguished leadership and 
service to the citizens of our State and our country. From his early 
days as a cadet at the Citadel to his current position as chief 
operating officer and president of the South Carolina Research 
Authority's, SCRA, Federal Sector, Bob has led an exemplary life and 
maintained a steadfast work ethic. His contributions to South Carolina 
and the United States in the fields of advanced computer and data 
technologies, program and technical management, manufacturing 
technologies, and command and control systems is recognized 
internationally. He is the embodiment of what makes America strong.
  After receiving his undergraduate degree from the Citadel--where he 
excelled in both academics and athletics, achieving All-Time Lettermen 
status as a member of the men's basketball team--Bob earned his 
master's degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Upon 
graduation, Bob served his country as a navigator on B-52 model 
aircraft with the United States Air Force, operating from bases in 
Southeast Asia. He also directed advanced computer technology programs 
for the Air Force Strategic Command, SAC, including the development of 
a multi-million dollar automated executive information system, as well 
as other assignments. Having served his country with distinction, Bob 
retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. After his military 
experience, Bob served as the deputy director of the Information 
Science and Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects 
Agency, DARPA, assistant for program integration with the Department of 
Defense Joint Program Management Office. In addition to the foregoing 
achievements, Bob was appointed by the Department of Commerce to serve 
as head of the U.S. Delegation to the international Intelligent 
Manufacturing Systems Steering Committee and worked as a research 
fellow with the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  After serving his country in both a uniform and civilian capacity, 
Bob entered the private sector where he has worked for a variety of 
companies and nonprofit corporations including Cincinnati Electronics 
and the first president of the Advanced Technology Institute, ATI, a 
world leader in distributed technology management and affiliate of his 
current employer, the South Carolina Research Authority. Since its 
establishment in 1983, SCRA has fostered entrepreneurial development, 
introduced technological advancements, and supported countless industry 
leaders and small businesses throughout South Carolina and the Nation.
  Through hard work and dedication, Bob has made significant 
contributions to our country's information technology and manufacturing 
technologies. His distinguished leadership and service has been 
invaluable, and for this I applaud him. His dedication to his family, 
friends,

[[Page E2934]]

and colleagues should stand as an example of what we should all hope to 
be. I join Bob's colleagues at the South Carolina Research Authority, 
the citizens of our State, and his wife, Penny, his daughters and 
grandchildren in commending Robert G. Kiggans for his lifetime of 
service to South Carolina and this great Nation. May God bless them 
all.

                          ____________________