[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5845-S5846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL MICHAEL P. CRALL

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I honor Colonel Michael P. 
Crall for the exceptional service he has provided as commander of the 
Pittsburgh district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the period 
from July 13, 2007, to July 16, 2010. My colleague from Pennsylvania, 
Senator Specter, has joined me to honor Colonel Crall.
  On Friday, July 16, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District military Change of Command 
ceremony will honor the services of the outgoing commander, Colonel 
Michael P. Crall, and welcome the incoming commander, Colonel William 
H. Graham.
  Colonel Crall will leave a legacy of excellence. His leadership 
focused the district's capabilities on demonstrating the value of the 
Army Corps to the Pittsburgh region. His superb leadership and strong 
personal engagement strengthened relationships within local, State and 
Federal partnerships.
  During his tenure as district commander, Colonel Crall superbly 
managed an annual operating budget in excess of $200 million which 
funded the planning, engineering, construction, operation, and 
maintenance of the Pittsburgh district's 23 locks and dams, and 16 
reservoirs covering 26,000 square miles in a five-State area.
  Colonel Crall's implementation of funding provided to the district 
through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act shows that he is an 
effective steward of taxpayer dollars. The act provided over $140 
million for the Pittsburgh district, almost doubling the district's 
annual budget. Under Colonel Crall's leadership, the district awarded 
contracts for projects to help reinvigorate the region's economy. These 
contracts have also assisted in improving the reliability of the some 
of the oldest facilities in the Corps.
  Early in his tenure, he was faced with the challenge of a severe 
flash flooding event where he quickly directed available Corps 
authorities to provide emergency relief and offer immediate assistance. 
Colonel Crall's actions strengthened the Corps' partnership with local 
communities and reiterated the Corps value in the region. This event 
set the foundation for a tenure that focused on ensuring the safety of 
citizens of the region and a commitment to protecting their property. 
In addition, Colonel Crall's true compassion for the constituents 
impacted by this unfortunate event set the tone for his continued 
engagement in local flood reduction needs throughout the Pittsburgh 
district.
  Throughout his time at the helm of the Pittsburgh district, Colonel 
Crall continued to stress the Army Corp's concern for maintaining and 
improving water quality. For instance, Colonel Crall recognized the 
effect of natural gas drilling on the Monongahela River and immediately 
took action to reduce any negative impact on public health and safety 
associated with this activity.
  As a decorated military officer, Colonel Crall exemplified his 
devotion to our soldiers and country through his active role with the 
flight 93 Memorial. With a singular focus on overcoming unnecessary 
delays, he directed his team to work with the National Park Service to 
ensure that the Corps involvement in the memorial was timely and done 
with great care. Colonel Crall's efforts are helping to move the 
project in a positive direction. Simply stated, his personal 
involvement will help ensure that the sacrifices of the patriots aboard 
flight 93 will be appropriately memorialized.
  Colonel Crall's excellent communication skills and collaborative 
approach greatly improved the district's image and reputation among the 
general public, stakeholders, and the workforce. Throughout his entire 
tour of duty, Colonel Crall's superb leadership and strong personal 
engagement was instrumental in demonstrating the value of the 
Pittsburgh district throughout

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the Upper Ohio Valley. Colonel Crall's performance of duty reflects 
great credit upon himself, the Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Army. 
We honor his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

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