[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MAJOR WILLIAM W. MA, UNITED 
                          STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding officer who will shortly be leaving active duty. Major 
William W. Ma will be retiring from the United States Marine Corps on 
March 31, 2010, after more than 21 years of active military service, 
culminating as Director, Marine Corps Appropriations Matters in the 
Secretary of the Navy's Appropriations Matters office.
  Major Ma enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988 and in 1993 was 
accepted into the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning and Education 
Program. In 1996 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of 
Arizona and received his commission in the Marine Corps. Throughout his 
career Major Ma has held numerous high level financial management, 
leadership and staff positions, including tours with the Force Service 
Support Group at Camp Pendleton, California; Company Commander 
Headquarters Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California; Head of 
the Programs and Resources Congressional Branch at Headquarters Marine 
Corps Washington, DC; Comptroller, Marine Corps University at Quantico, 
Virginia; Director, Marine Corps Appropriations Matters at Headquarters 
Marine Corps Washington, DC. Over his distinguished career he has been 
awarded two Meritorious Services Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps 
Achievement Medals, the Navy Unit Commendation, and various campaign 
and theatre specific awards. Major Ma's civilian education includes an 
undergraduate degree in finance and Master of Business Administration 
from the Naval Postgraduate School as a Conrad Scholar Awardee.
  It was during his last assignment that I first came to know Major Ma. 
In this capacity, he has proved to be an invaluable link between the 
United States Marine Corps and the Appropriations Committee. Major Ma 
has escorted me, other Members of Congress, and staff on several 
occasions as the committee conducted inspection trips to review 
military operations and confirm the health and welfare of our troops.
  On every occasion, Major Ma performed his duties in an exacting and 
precise manner. But far more important to me was his thorough knowledge 
of the Marine Corps and the appropriations and budget process. He could 
always be depended on to know the status of funds and the impact they 
were having on our Marines and their families.
  Madam Speaker, I also want to recognize the Ma family: his wife Julie 
Kay, daughter Alysson, and his son Andrew. We can ill afford to forget 
that it is the strength of family, and indeed their love and support, 
that make it possible to honorably serve in uniform.
  In closing, I want to express my thanks and appreciation for the 
special contribution Major Bill Ma has made to the Department of the 
Navy and the United States Marine Corps. I wish Major Ma and his family 
continued success. Semper Fidelis.

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