[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15230]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE SERVICE OF MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT MICHAEL THOMAS 
                  FLETCHER, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement, it is my 
pleasure to recognize an exceptional United States Marine, Master 
Gunnery Sergeant Michael Thomas Fletcher. Master Gunnery Sergeant 
Fletcher has served our Nation with distinction for over three decades 
in the United States Marine Corps, rising from Private to Master 
Gunnery Sergeant. He has served in times of both war and peace and has 
gone from patrolling the jungles of Vietnam to walking the halls of 
Congress. During the Vietnam War, he was awarded: the Combat Action 
Ribbon; the Vietnam Service Medal with one star; the Republic of 
Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit 
Citation of the Gallantry Cross. His personal awards have included two 
Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal, and he has been recently recommended for the Legion of Merit.
  During Master Gunnery Sergeant Fletcher's last six years of service, 
he has been the Administration Chief in the United States Marine Corps' 
Office of Legislative Affairs. That office supports Members of Congress 
and Congressional committees in matters of legislation, protocol, and 
logistics for Congressional travel. Master Gunnery Sergeant Fletcher 
brought a wealth of managerial expertise and leadership to this office 
and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of its 
mission.
  During these six years, Master Gunnery Sergeant Fletcher has helped 
carry the Corp's message to the Congress. He has enabled the Marine 
Corps' Office of Legislative Affairs to provide consistent and timely 
responses to the United States Congress, and in doing so, has made a 
lasting contribution in the containment of today's readiness and shape 
of tomorrow's Marine Corps. Particularly noteworthy have been his 
efforts in directing, organizing, and escorting Members of Congress and 
their staffs around the world. His attention to detail in making these 
important trips logistically successful is yet another indication of 
this Marine's talent and professionalism.
  Master Gunnery Sergeant Fletcher has made immeasurable contributions 
to both today's Marine Corps' and to the Corps of the 21st Century. His 
superior performance of duties highlights the culmination of more than 
30 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. By his 
exemplary competence, sound judgment, and total dedication to duty, he 
has served well this body, the United States Marine Corps and our 
Nation. Please join me in wishing Master Gunnery Sergeant Fletcher, his 
wife, Barbara, and their sons, Joel and Gary, all the best as he begins 
this new chapter in life.

                          ____________________