[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF GENERAL JAMES E. 
                               CARTWRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 2, 2011

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to General James 
E. Cartwright, who is retiring this week after forty years of 
accomplished and distinguished military service. Throughout his career 
as a senior officer, General Cartwright has provided invaluable 
testimony and advice to this body, and in particular to the Armed 
Services Committee. From U.S. operations in Afghanistan, to missile 
defenses in Europe, to Department of Defense efficiencies--General 
Cartwright has provided his expert military advice on a wide range of 
defense and national security issues. I think I speak for all of my 
colleagues on the Armed Services Committee when I say that his depth of 
knowledge, outstanding leadership and professionalism, and deep respect 
and consideration for all of our men and women in uniform will be 
greatly missed.
  General James ``Hoss'' Cartwright was born and raised in Rockford, 
Illinois, where he showed an early affinity for the military as a 
member of the Junior ROTC. After graduating from the University of Iowa 
in 1971, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United 
States Marine Corps. During his career as a Marine aviator, General 
Cartwright served as a Flight Officer in the F-4 and as a pilot in the 
F-4, OA-4 and F-18. In 1983, he was named outstanding Carrier Aviator 
by the Association of Naval Aviation. His flying career culminated with 
command of the First Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan from 2000 
to 2002.
  After a brief assignment as the Director for Force Structure, 
Resources, and Assessment (J-8) on the Joint Staff, in 2004 then-
Lieutenant General Cartwright was selected for promotion to full 
General and became the first Marine Corps officer to lead United States 
Strategic Command. As Commander, General Cartwright led STRATCOM 
through a period of transition as the military adapted and evolved to 
confront an increasingly dynamic strategic environment. General 
Cartwright led development and implementation of strategies to 
integrate the military's approaches to cyber, space, nuclear 
proliferation, and missile defense and reorganized STRATCOM to increase 
interagency cooperation.
  Over the last four years, General Cartwright has served as the eighth 
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Through my roles as Ranking 
Member and now Chairman of the Armed Services Committee I have had the 
pleasure of working directly with General Cartwright during this time. 
He has faithfully executed his oath of office and constitutional duties 
and provided the President and Congress with honest, direct, and sound 
advice. He is a model Vice Chairman and a model Marine, and will leave 
a lasting legacy on our Armed Forces.
  He is also a tremendous advocate for soldiers, sailors, airmen, and 
marines. General Cartwright's efforts to accelerate procurement and 
deployment of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle saved 
countless lives. He has leveraged his knowledge of technology and 
Department of Defense resourcing processes to streamline acquisition 
and deliver a variety of desperately needed new capabilities to the 
troops in the field. Most important of all, however, General Cartwright 
is a steadfast champion of our wounded warriors, our troops who have 
given their lives in service to their country, and their families.
  For forty years General Cartwright has performed his job 
professionally, honestly, and with great dedication. We will miss his 
leadership and vision, and wish him all the best as he takes off the 
uniform for the last time.

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