[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 8, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3610-S3611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MALCOLM ROSS O'NEILL

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
distinguished career of a highly decorated soldier and accomplished 
public servant. Following decades of unwavering service to our Nation, 
Dr. Malcolm Ross O'Neill recently retired as the Assistant Secretary of 
the Army for Acquisition, Logistics & Technology, AL&T. In his capacity 
as the Assistant Secretary and Army acquisition executive, Dr. O'Neill 
led the Army's 41,000-member acquisition workforce in its vital mission 
to equip and sustain the world's most capable, powerful, and respected 
Army.
  Dr. O'Neill has made significant contributions to our national 
security over the course of a career spanning nearly five decades. He 
proudly served 34 years on active duty as an Army officer, both in 
peacetime and in combat. Dr. O'Neill was commissioned in the U.S. Army 
as a field artillery officer in 1962 and served with the 82nd Airborne 
Division; as an adviser with the 21st Reconnaissance Company of the 
21st Army of the Republic of Vietnam Division; and assistant chief of 
staff, Ammunition, with the Danang Support Command in Vietnam. His 
first acquisition job was as a member of the source selection team for 
what was then called surface-to-air missile, development--now the 
Patriot missile system. His extensive military experience includes 
service as commander, U.S. Army Laboratory Command; deputy director of 
the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization; and director of the 
Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.
  Under Dr. O'Neill's leadership as Assistant Secretary of the Army, 
the

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Army acquisition community has honored its paramount commitment to meet 
the needs of soldiers in combat missions today. However, Dr. O'Neill 
also reenergized the Army's efforts to develop advanced soldier 
capabilities for tomorrow's conflicts. He reminded us that scientific 
and technical advancements play a critical role in maintaining the 
Army's unparalleled preeminence in the future. As the lead Army 
acquisition official, Dr. O'Neill made significant progress in 
developing a vigorous and robust science and technology portfolio 
incorporating the combined efforts of Army scientists, labs, advisory 
boards and other stakeholders. These accomplishments will leave an 
indelible impact on the Army's warfighting capabilities.
  Dr. O'Neill's emphasis on sound management and execution of major 
weapon systems has helped the Army to prioritize capabilities and 
modify existing programs to achieve long-term success. He has played a 
critical role in bringing the Army requirements, resourcing, testing, 
and acquisition communities together to make informed decisions and 
adjustments within key programs. As the Army and Department of Defense 
continue to transform through an era of limited resources, Dr. O'Neill 
championed the importance of wise investments, competition, and sound 
acquisition strategies to ensure that more money was spent on the 
warfighting capabilities of our soldiers and less on overhead. The Army 
is in a better position to adapt to an ever-changing environment of 
competing needs as a result of his efforts.
  Three words define this dedicated public servant: honor, integrity, 
and courage. The Nation is in his debt for his many accomplishments 
during the long and distinguished career of Malcolm Ross 
O'Neill.

                          ____________________