[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E324-E325]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE OCCASION OF MAJOR ALEX CROSS' RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES 
                              MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KLINE

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2014

  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to Major 
Alex Cross, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of his 
retirement. My colleagues and I have had the pleasure of working with 
Major Cross over the past three years, to include his service as part 
of my congressional staff and later as the Deputy Director of the USMC 
Liaison Office in the United States House of Representatives.
  From his arrival in January of 2011, Major Cross was a valuable 
member of my legislative team. Major Cross represented the Marine Corps 
with honor while providing expertise on Marine Corps programs and 
policies, and advising me on issues ranging from defense authorization 
to foreign affairs. Major Cross's work on my personal staff culminated 
in his recommended changes to Department of Defense recruitment 
policies signed into law in the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act 
that resulted in expanded opportunities for students of all educational 
backgrounds to join the Armed Forces.
  From 2012 to 2014, Major Cross served as Deputy Director of the USMC 
House Liaison Office. During his time in the House Liaison Office, 
Major Cross planned, led, and executed many of the Marine Corps' most 
difficult

[[Page E325]]

and challenging legislative initiatives. Major Cross distinguished 
himself as a leader and as a visible example of Marine Corps 
professionalism and values. Through his direct and skillful engagement 
with numerous Members of Congress, Major Cross ensured the Marine 
Corps' concepts, programs, and requirements were widely understood 
which resulted in direct and lasting improvements to Marine Corps war 
fighting capabilities, and the quality of life for Marines throughout 
the Marine Corps.
  Major Cross also successfully planned, coordinated, and escorted more 
than 20 international and domestic trips for Congressional and Staff 
Delegations. These delegations traveled world-wide and visited heads of 
state, military commands, and deployed US military personnel. His 
meticulous planning, attention to detail, and anticipation of 
requirements allowed members of the House and staff to focus on fact-
finding and learning new information to guide critical decisions made 
by the Members of Congress.
  Throughout his tour, Major Cross personally responded to hundreds of 
Congressional inquiries, many of which gained national level attention. 
Through his exceptional interpersonal skills and broad knowledge in a 
wide range of military affairs, he assisted the Director, Marine Corps 
House of Representatives Liaison Office, in gaining the Members' 
support for issues critical to the Marine Corps. Major Cross also 
supported USMC House Liaison operations, to include planning and 
coordinating receptions and meetings on Capitol Hill for USMC 
personnel. These events included New Member Orientation for the 
Freshman Congressional Class of the 113th Congress and three Marine 
Corps Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremonies. He also scheduled and 
facilitated several hundred office calls for the leadership of the USMC 
to include the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Assistant Commandant of 
the Marine Corps, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, and numerous 
other General Officers conducting business on Capitol Hill.
  Major Cross, through his dedication to professional engagement with 
Congress, has contributed immeasurably to the Marine Corps' reputation 
throughout Capitol Hill. The rapport he developed with Members of the 
House has made a lasting impression and set the tone for a lasting 
partnership between the Marine Corps and Congress for years to come. 
The time he has spent supporting my constituents and other Members of 
the House has been truly noteworthy. He has made lasting contributions 
to the United States House of Representatives and we wish him well in 
retirement.

                          ____________________