[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MR. ROBERT FITCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. MORAN--

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 2012

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert 
Fitch on the occasion of his retirement as Senior Vice President, 
Regulatory Affairs, for BAE Systems, Inc. One of my constituents living 
in Arlington, Virginia, Mr. Fitch has over 41 years of distinguished 
service to our nation, serving in key management positions in the 
military, the legislative branch of government, and the aerospace and 
defense industry.
  Prior to his current position, Mr. Fitch served as Senior Vice 
President, Government Relations, for BAE Systems, Inc. He had 
responsibility for all legislative affairs and government relations 
activities for the company's U.S.-based business. He is also a member 
of the BAE Systems, Inc. Board of Directors. As a senior leader in the 
company during a period of significant change and growth, he has been 
recognized on numerous occasions for his commitment to excellence and 
visionary leadership.
  Robert previously held the position of Vice President, Government 
Relations with Marconi North America and Tracor, Inc. Prior to Tracor, 
he was the Vice President, Corporate Strategic Development for GDE 
Systems, Inc., a subsidiary of Tracor.
  During the 1970's, Mr. Fitch served in the U.S. Army. His assignments 
included the Pentagon as the Army's functional officer for tactical 
intelligence programs; Germany as the aide to an infantry division 
commander; the Cryptologic School as a company commander of 300 men and 
women; and Vietnam as an advisor. His awards include the Legion of 
Merit and the Bronze Star.
  From 1984 to 1993, Mr. Fitch was the Senior Professional Staff Member 
and Director of the Program and Budget Authorization Staff of the House 
Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His responsibilities 
included oversight and coordination of staff reviews of national and 
tactical intelligence activities. Specific areas of specialty included 
space and airborne reconnaissance, industrial base, acquisition reform 
and support to military operations. In December 1992, he served on the 
Intelligence Transition Team for the new administration.
  He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University 
of Rhode Island and an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at 
the University of Dallas. Most recently, Robert completed the Program 
for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard 
University.
  Mr. Fitch is a member of the George C. Marshall Foundation's Board of 
Trustees; Ford's Theatre Board of Governors; and the National 
Cryptologic Museum Foundation's Board of Directors. He is a member of 
the Sigma Iota Epsilon Business Honor Society, and is a Principal for 
the Council for Excellence in Government. He has served on the USO 
World Board of Governors; Board of Directors for the National Military 
Intelligence Association; and on the Technical Committee of the 
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the efforts and 
accomplishments of this outstanding industry leader. I congratulate and 
thank Bob Fitch for his many years of service to this nation and wish 
him a happy retirement.

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