[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING MARINE CORPS GENERAL JOHN KELLY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, it's with deep respect and profound 
admiration that I rise today to honor Marine Corps General John Kelly, 
who just recently became the Corps' fifth active four-star general and 
took the helm of U.S. Southern Command.
  General Kelly has a long and distinguished military career, leading 
Marines through peacetime and war. His record of accomplishment has 
earned the respect of not just Marines, but the entire military and 
civilian leadership structure, and members in both bodies of Congress.
  General Kelly is not just someone who I consider a good friend. 
Having served as a Marine, I also consider him to be a high-caliber 
officer who embodies all the qualities that make the Marines the most 
effective fighting force in the world. Without a doubt, he's a role 
model and mentor to younger Marines. He's a trusted voice for U.S. 
national security and his service to the nation, spanning more than 
four decades, has been an asset for the Marine Corps and the entire 
country.
  Those who have had the distinct opportunity to learn from General 
Kelly and observe him in action are even better Marines today. He's 
been an inspirational figure to many--myself included--and now as head 
of U.S. Southern Command, he will surely make his mark as a superior 
and effective officer who is capable of leading at the highest levels.
  Among Marines, the rank of four-star general is attainable only to a 
select few. They are considered the best and brightest military minds. 
They are tactically coherent. They are masters of strategic planning 
and they represent both the intimidating strength and goodwill that is 
associated with the Marine Corps and the rest of America's military.
  General Kelly is the right person to lead U.S. Southern Command at 
the right time. There is no shortage of challenges throughout the 
Caribbean, Central America and South America. America faces threats 
from drug trafficking, corruption and cyber attacks. With General Kelly 
at the forefront, America will be safer and more secure, and we'll 
surely be in a position to make progress toward improving conditions in 
countries that are so close to our doorstep.
  And I know I speak for the rest of my colleagues in expressing my 
gratitude for General Kelly's service. He's an exceptional leader who 
deserves our unending respect and appreciation for a military career 
that first began in 1970 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing General 
Kelly much success as the Marine Corps' newest four-star general and 
the head of U.S. Southern Command. Semper Fi.

                          ____________________