[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6] [Senate] [Page 8686] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]BRIGADIER GENERAL MITCHELL M. ZAIS Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President. I am pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the service of Brigadier General Mitchell M. Zais, who has dedicated the past three-decades to protecting the security and people of our nation as a soldier and officer in the United States Army. General Zais began his career when he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1969 and accepted a commission in the Infantry. It was at this point in time that the American involvement in Vietnam was at its apex, and the newly minted officer quickly had the opportunity to put to the test the martial skills he had learned at West Point and Fort Benning. Heading to Southeast Asia, then Second Lieutenant Zais assumed command of an infantry platoon in the 101st Airborne Division and began what has been a long and distinguished career. After emerging from the jungles of Vietnam, this officer held a variety of positions which were progressively more responsible and moved him up the Army's hierarchy. He has served in Asia, Europe, Central America, and the United States, has held command at the platoon, company, battalion, and brigade levels, and has held vital staff assignments including on the Joint Staff. General Zais is currently serving as Chief of Staff, United States Army Reserve Command, but this will be his last assignment as he is due to retire from the military shortly, ending what has been an impressive career. Commendably, General Zais has decided to seek a second career which will allow him to continue to make a difference, that of an educator. I am pleased to report that this man will assume the duties of President of Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina. I am confident that the General will enjoy his new hometown and his new job. As a former educator, I can assure him that there are few things more rewarding than working with young people. I commend General Mitchell Zais on his many years of dedicated and selfless service to the nation and the Army, I welcome him to South Carolina, and I wish him the best of health, happiness, and success in the years to come. ____________________