[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL ROBERT SHOEMAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday 
of General Robert Shoemaker, U.S. Army, Retired. Through a lifetime 
dedicated to service, General Shoemaker continues to make extraordinary 
contributions to both the security of his nation as well as to 
improving the quality of life in Central Texas.
  He was born February 18, 1924 and grew up in eastern Michigan. 
Following graduation from West Point in 1946, General Shoemaker was 
commissioned in the Infantry. His brave service of nearly 40 years in 
both the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions as well as the 82nd Airborne 
Division saw numerous tours of duty in Vietnam, various commands, as 
well as achieving the elite status of Army Aviator. General Shoemaker 
rose to the highest levels of the military and was promoted to four 
star general and led the U.S. Army Forces Command. Known as FORSCOM, 
this command consists of more than 750,000 soldiers, nearly 90 percent 
of the Army's combat power, and provides expeditionary, campaign-
capable land forces to combatant commanders. Under his steady 
leadership, FORSCOM held fast and true to its motto as ``Freedom's 
Guardian.''
  Bringing to life Patton's maxim ``the soldier is also a citizen,'' 
General Shoemaker settled in the Fort Hood, TX area following his 1982 
retirement and began the next chapter of his life of extraordinary 
service. Knowing firsthand of the importance of education to military 
communities, he worked tirelessly to establish Texas A&M University--
Central Texas near Fort Hood. He served eight years as an elected Bell 
County, TX Commissioner. Important civic organizations sought his 
tremendous leadership skills and General Shoemaker served as President 
and advisor to numerous entities, including the 1st Cavalry Division 
Association, the Heart of Texas Council of the Boy Scouts, and the Fort 
Hood Chapter of the United Way. The same commitment to excellence 
General Shoemaker brought to the Army he also brought to his beloved 
community.
  Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have made a 
difference in the world. General Robert Shoemaker doesn't have that 
problem. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to service reflect 
the very best values of Central Texas. Let February 18 continue to be a 
celebration of one of our nation's heroes who devoted his life to 
keeping us free and making America a beacon of hope in the world. Along 
with his friends, family, and loved ones, I wish him both a happy 90th 
birthday and all the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________