[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN R. McMAHON

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is with great privilege that I 
congratulate BG John R. McMahon, division commander of the Northwest 
Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, on his well-deserved 
retirement after a long and successful career serving our country. 
Brigadier General McMahon has been stationed with the Northwest 
Division since 2009, and my staff and I have had the pleasure of 
working extensively with him during that time.
  An example of Brigadier General McMahon's leadership ability was his 
response to a storm that caused serious damage to the Howard Hanson Dam 
in King County. The storm raised the flood threat for hundreds of 
thousands of residents in the Green River Valley, which is home to one 
of the largest manufacturing and distribution bases on the west coast. 
Brigadier General McMahon and the Army Corps reacted quickly and 
decisively to respond and repair right abutment seepage issues and 
other potential failure modes, allowing the facility to return to 
normal operation in less than three years.
  During his tenure, Brigadier General McMahon addressed the need to 
replace three lock gates on the Columbia-Snake River navigation system, 
and that was no small feat. He has also worked extensively to lay the 
groundwork with the Department of State in preparation for the upcoming 
renewal of the Columbia River Treaty. Brigadier General McMahon's hard 
work leaves a strong legacy upon which these important efforts may 
progress.
  Additionally, as we all know, the Missouri River system witnessed 
some of the worst flooding in history in 2011. Under Brigadier General 
McMahon's leadership, the Army Corps responded quickly and efficiently 
to minimize the threats of rising floodwaters and to answer calls for 
help in repairing the extensive damage caused by these floods. For 
this, so many are grateful. His professionalism and expertise helped 
our Nation through this disaster and undoubtedly lessened the 
destruction and prevented loss of life.
  On behalf of all who live in the Pacific Northwest, I thank Brigadier 
General McMahon for his dedication to the safety and well-being of the 
people of our region. His knowledge, experience, and tireless effort 
will be sorely missed. Mr. President, I congratulate General McMahon 
and wish him and his family the best of luck in their future 
endeavors.

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