[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY CLASS OF 1970

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to express our deep 
gratitude for the inspirational leadership and outstanding service to 
our nation by the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1970. It has been an 
honor to support the Naval Academy in my capacity as a Senator from 
Maryland and as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors 
for over 20 years. The Naval Academy has a proud history of developing 
excellence in education and personal character of our past and present, 
and continues to prepare and train the future leaders of our nation. I 
am so proud of the class of 1970 for exemplifying the high quality 
standards of the academy.
  The Naval Academy class of 1970 started their journey as midshipmen 
in 1966, during the height of the Vietnam war. They volunteered for the 
job knowing that after graduation their roles as Navy and Marine Corps 
officers would be during difficult and demanding times for the U.S. 
military. That it was such a challenging time for our nation and our 
military did not deter them, it made them more determined. Their 
service and extraordinary spirit has enriched and sustained our Nation. 
I come to the floor today to ensure that their sacrifice and patriotism 
is remembered and celebrated.
  From their graduation day on, the class of 1970 set a very high 
standard. Their accomplishments and careers are impressive. Members of 
this class fought valiantly in the Vietnam war, the gulf war and other 
conflicts during the last 40 years. They served in the air, on land and 
at sea. Members of the class of 1970 have served at the very highest 
level of our military. They served as commanding officers of warships, 
combatant commanders, and as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff. Twenty-four members of this class achieved flag or general 
officer rank.
  Since their early years as midshipmen, they have given of themselves 
not just on the battlefield but also in their communities on the home 
front. Whether volunteering at the Boys Club and Big Brothers programs 
as midshipmen, teaching at our nation's military colleges or 
volunteering in their community they have generously contributed to the 
support of academics, ethics, character development, and leadership of 
our next generation.
  Even more extraordinary than their time in uniform is the amount the 
members of this class have continued to give back since their military 
service ended. This remarkable class has continued to lead by example. 
They have worked to educate our children, support defense agencies, and 
to promote community services. Their accomplishments and achievements 
have reached the highest levels of government, industry, science, law, 
medicine, education, and religious vocations. Many have continued to 
fight for our freedom in their roles as leaders of corporations that 
are vital to our national defense. I admire the spirit of service and 
dedication to making our country and the world a better place.
  The U.S. Naval Academy class of 1970 exemplifies the Navy ethos of 
``Honor, Courage, and Commitment.'' These values have defined their 
commitment and dedication to the United States. Like many others before 
and after them, they have sacrificed long deployments, separation from 
loved ones, tests and trials that most Americans can't imagine. Some 
even sacrificed their life doing their duty. I know that new 
generations of midshipmen and future Naval and Marine Corps officers 
will be inspired by the rich heritage of service they have passed down 
to them.
  As the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1970 gathers to mark forty years 
of service to our nation and to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, 
Army, and Naval Academy, it is with great pleasure that I offer my 
gratitude for their service to our country.

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