[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 25546]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         FAREWELL TO ACTING SECRETARY OF THE ARMY LES BROWNLEE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to honor a 
distinguished American for his tireless, dedicated service to the U.S. 
Army, the U.S. Senate, and the American people. After more than four 
decades of national service, Acting Secretary of the Army Less Brownlee 
is resigning his post as Under Secretary of the Army.
  Secretary Brownlee is a highly decorated veteran. He has earned the 
Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf 
Clusters, and a Purple Heart during his two tours of duty in Vietnam 
and over 22 years on active duty.
  He has also served this body with distinction for 18 years as a Hill 
staff member, reaching the post of staff director for the Armed 
Services Committee. During his time on the committee, Secretary 
Brownlee was the committee's principal professional staff member 
responsible for Army and Marine Corps programs, Special Operations 
Forces, and drug interdiction policy and support. In addition, he was 
deeply involved in policies and programs ranging from ballistic missile 
defense and weapons programs to strategic deterrence and naval 
strategy.
  Most recently, during his 18 months as Acting Secretary of the Army, 
Secretary Brownlee has been responsible for managing the Army's $80 
billion annual budget and more than 1.3 million Active Duty, National 
Guard, Army Reserve, and civilian personnel. As a part of this duty, 
Secretary Brownlee has overseen recruiting, organizing, supplying, 
equipping, training, and mobilization efforts.
  In addition, during his tenure, the Army began the process of an 
extraordinary transformation to meet the threats and challenges of the 
21st century. Most notably, the Army has born the brunt of the global 
war on terrorism, making all Americans proud of its victories and 
achievements in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other far-off places around the 
globe.
  Throughout these challenging times for the Nation and our Armed 
Forces, Secretary Brownlee has consistently provided strong, steady 
leadership for the Army as it adapts and prepares for the future. His 
service as Acting Secretary of the Army will undoubtedly have a 
profound impact on our fighting men and women and will ensure that the 
Army remains the world's finest fighting force for years to come.
  I congratulate Secretary Brownlee on a brilliant career. I thank him 
for his commitment and dedication to making America stronger and safer, 
and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________