[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL DAVID FURNESS, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2010

  Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to 
Colonel David Furness, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of 
his transfer from the liaison office. I, and many other members of this 
chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past two 
years that he has served as part of U.S. Marine Corps Office of 
Legislative Affairs and as the Director of the USMC Liaison Office in 
the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Colonel Furness expertly represented the Marine Corps on all matters 
in the U.S. House of Representatives and spearheaded the Marine Corps' 
most difficult and challenging legislative initiatives from June 2008 
to May 2010. Through his direct and skillful interaction with Members 
of Congress, he ensured that Marine Corps requirements were widely 
understood by key Members and staff to guarantee the best possible 
support to the Marine Corps. He also successfully oversaw, planned, 
coordinated, and escorted more than 150 international and domestic 
trips for high-level Congressional and Staff Delegations.
  Furthermore, Colonel Furness managed, trained and mentored a team of 
Legislative Liaison Officers and House Legislative Fellows and created 
an environment that fostered teamwork and professionalism. He led 
Company and Field Grade Officers and ensured they better understood 
both the message of the Commandant and the role of the Congress in 
National Security matters. Colonel Furness contributed immeasurably to 
making capable Liaison Officers who will return to the Marine Corps 
Fleet with a better understanding of how Congress and the Corps work 
closely together to win our Nation's battles.
  Through it all, Colonel Furness has been able to ensure that Members 
of Congress and their staffs never forget the purpose and focus of the 
Marine Corps: the Marines themselves.
  Madam Speaker, through all of these actions, and many more, Colonel 
Furness has maintained and improved the U.S. House of Representatives' 
view of the Marine Corps. His performance has made a lasting impact on 
the readiness of the Marine Corps, laying the groundwork for continued 
Marine successes on Capitol Hill.

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