[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17382-17383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



           IN APPRECIATION OF GENERAL TERRENCE DAKE'S SERVICE

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, it is my great honor to rise today to 
pay tribute to a fellow Missourian who has served our Nation honorably 
for more then three decades in war and peace. In October, General 
Terrence Dake, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, will retire 
after more then 34 years of service as a Marine.
  A native of Rocky Comfort in the Missouri Ozarks, General Dake earned 
undergraduate degrees from the College of the Ozarks and the University 
of Arkansas. From there he proceeded to Marine Corps Officer Candidate 
School in Quantico, VA. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon 
graduation from OCS in October 1966. With the echoes of conflict in 
South East Asia sounding here at home, Second Lieutenant Dake reported 
directly to aviator training in Pensacola, Florida. He received his 
wings designating him a Naval Aviator on the 25th of January, 1968. He 
was tested in combat when he reported to South East Asia and piloted 
CH-53A Sea Stallion helicopters in Vietnam. Lieutenant Dake earned 
numerous awards while accumulating over 6,000 flight hours in military 
aircraft. Highlights of his extensive aviation experience include 
service as the President's helicopter pilot and as the Commanding 
Officer of Marine Helicopter Squadron One.
  General Dake's distinguished career has been accompanied with a rise 
through the ranks, including service as the Director of Training and 
Doctrine with the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Command and 
as Assistant Chief of Staff of Operations for the 3rd Marine Aircraft 
Wing during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. It is significant to note 
that this was the largest aircraft wing ever fielded in combat by the 
Marine Corps.
  General Dake was promoted to Brigadier General in March, 1992. His 
assignments as a General Officer included service as Assistant Deputy 
Chief of Staff of Aviation; Inspector General of the Marine Corps; 
Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command; 
Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and Deputy Chief of Staff 
for Aviation. During his time as Deputy Chief of Staff for Aviation the 
Marine Corps embarked on its historic aviation campaign plan which has 
manifested itself in the development of the V-22 Osprey and the Joint 
Strike Fighter.
  General Dake assumed his present position as the Assistant Commandant 
of the Marine Corps on September 5, 1998. For his service as the 
Assistant Commandant, General Dake was awarded the Distinguished 
Service Medal. General Dake also earned the ``Silver Hawk Award.'' 
Presented by the Marine Corps Aviation Association, the Silver Hawk 
Award is given to the active-duty Marine Aviator with the most senior 
date of designation.
  Not all of General Dake's achievements took place in aircraft or in 
command of major units. General Dake's commitment to his troops was 
evidenced in his efforts in tackling two of the most difficult issues 
facing the Department of Defense today: health care and readiness. As a 
member of the Defense Medical and Senior Readiness Oversight 
Committees, General Dake worked to improve readiness and ensure that 
the entire military family--active, reserve, and retiree--were provided 
quality health care.
  Any tribute to General Dake would be inadequate without recognizing 
the contributions of his wife and family. As with so many of our fine 
members of the Armed Services, his career would not be what it is today 
were it not for their steadfast support throughout the years. Mrs. Dake 
is a recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Award, presented for 
her superior public service in support of uniformed personnel and their 
families. As we pay tribute to him today we also commend and honor her 
for her commitment and perseverance on behalf of Marines ``in every 
place and clime.''
  I also recognize the other members of General Dake's family. The 
Dakes have two children, a daughter, Jana, and son, Joshua. Jana is 
married to Captain Ken Karika, USMC, and is the

[[Page 17383]]

mother of the Dake's grandchild, Jack. They too have taken part in the 
sacrifice required to be a military family and deserve our gratitude.
  The Marine Corps often states that there are no ex-Marines, only 
Marines who are no longer actively serving. It is comforting to know 
that General Dake will continue to serve our nation and set an example 
for others to follow long into the future.
  As General and Mrs. Dake move from the active duty community to the 
retired community, it is appropriate that this body stop and honor a 
man and his family who made countless sacrifices for duty, honor, 
country.

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