[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 286]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING LILLIAN WOOD FOR FIFTY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE 
                       UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 8, 2003

  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me today to recognize 
an extraordinary Pennsylvanian who has dedicated herself to the service 
of her country for more than half a century.
  Ms. Lillian Wood, born in East Millsboro, Pennsylvania, graduated 
from Brownsville High School in 1951. She began working as a civilian 
clerk-typist for the Marine Corps in February 1952. ``Lil,'' as she is 
known to generations of Marines, quickly demonstrated a commitment and 
dedication and was recognized with a rapid series of promotions in 
several divisions within Headquarters, United States Marine Corps.
  Based on her superb performance in support of the Personnel, 
Aviation, G-4, and Reserve Affairs divisions, Lil was selected as the 
Branch Supervisor for the newly created Special Correspondence Branch 
of the Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department in 1966. Lil was charged 
with supervision of 28 employees, both military and civilian, and was 
responsible for providing updates and responses to all Congressional 
inquiries into Marine Corps affairs.
  ``The Few and the Proud'' is not just a recruiting slogan, and it 
applies as much to Marines in combat as to the civilian Marines who 
make it possible for them to deploy and come home safely. The success 
of Marines in battle throughout the history of our great nation is due, 
in no small measure, to the support they receive from civilian Marines 
and families back home.
  Lil Wood stands as a shining example to all Marines, civilian 
Marines, and civil servants throughout the government. Lil and I both 
began our service to our country in 1952, both in the Marine Corps. Her 
accomplishments and fifty years of dedication to the Corps and to our 
country are remarkable and commendable. The Marine Corps is losing a 
valuable asset, and I offer Lil my best wishes for a well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________