[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 79 (Thursday, June 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO KATHRYN A. CONDON

 Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, as chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I would like to take a moment to 
recognize Ms. Kathryn A. Condon, who has retired after over 30 years of 
public service. Specifically, I would like to thank Ms. Condon for her 
steadfast leadership as the Executive Director of Arlington National 
Cemetery.
  Arlington National Cemetery embodies one of our commitments to those 
who defend our Nation--to provide them with a final resting place that 
honors their service. With approximately 27 to 30 funeral services a 
day, Arlington is one of many active cemeteries for our fallen heroes. 
It is also considered a national treasure for its rich history, dating 
back to the Civil War, and historic memorials, such as: the Tomb of the 
Unknowns; the Women in Military Service Memorial, which honors the 
brave women who have honorably worn our Nation's uniform; and Chaplains 
Hill, the eternal resting place of Chaplains from four different wars.
  Although Arlington is now a shining example of how we honor those who 
have made the ultimate sacrifice, it has not always been so. In 2010, 
the Army's inspector general discovered grievous errors, dysfunction, 
and mismanagement at Arlington. These highly publicized problems were 
linked to antiquated procedures and failure by the cemetery's senior 
leadership.
  Ms. Condon's steadfast commitment and dedication as Arlington's top 
executive has reinstated Arlington as a national shrine for those who 
have made the ultimate sacrifice. Her leadership has led to the 
correction of all of the issues highlighted by the Army inspector 
general's 2010 report and the creation of processes that will ensure 
the longevity of this national shrine and make certain that previous 
mistakes are not repeated.
  Particularly, I would like to highlight Arlington's new burial record 
system, ANC Explorer. In 2010, Arlington relied on a paper-based record 
system that caused confusion and led to the misplacement of burials. 
Thanks to Ms. Condon, Arlington now operates a new geospatial tracking 
system, which permits the families of our fallen heroes and cemetery 
staff to, among other things: receive turn-by-turn direction to any 
burial site or monument; view events, in real-time, occurring through 
the cemetery; and easily track and maintain burial space.
  On behalf of our Nation's veterans and their families, I would like 
to thank Ms. Condon for her devotion to reaffirming Arlington National 
Cemetery's status as a national treasure and commend her on an 
illustrious career in public service.

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