[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 25558]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING MAJOR GENERAL JOHN E. ``GENE'' PRENDERGAST ON HIS RETIREMENT

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to commend a great man 
and his long career of selfless service to our country. On August 31, 
Major General John E. ``Gene'' Prendergast retired after serving 12 
years as Montana's Adjutant General.
  His 46-year career in the Montana National Guard began 1958, when he 
joined the Montana Air National Guard. I had the pleasure of getting to 
know Gene during his time as Montana's Adjutant General. His 
leadership, vision, and dedication brought a great deal to the 
dedicated and professional men and women of the Montana National Guard.
  Over the years, he worked to improve the Guard's infrastructure in 
the State and saw the 1940s vintage buildings at Fort Harrison 
converted into some of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the 
country. Top of the line military training sites exist today at 
Limestone Hills. In addition, new and improved infrastructure exists at 
the Air National Guard Base at Gore Hill in Great Falls and the Army 
Aviation Support Facility at the Helena Airport.
  Our warfighters need the best equipment and infrastructure possible 
to do their jobs. Gene understood this and I enjoyed working with him 
to make some of these improvements a reality. As a result, Montana's 
Guard is known as one of the best in the Nation.
  His work did not just stop there. During General Prendergast's time 
as Adjutant General, Montana's involvement in the Partnership for Peace 
Program with the country of Kyrgyzstan became a model for the rest of 
the United States. Also, the Montana National Guard's Youth Challenge 
Program has successfully transitioned hundreds of ``at risk' youth to 
active, involved members of society.
  While he had a talented, dedicated, selfless group behind him, 
General Prendergast led in an inspiring and intelligent manner which 
will not be forgotten. I enjoyed my time working with General 
Prendergast--a man I am proud to call my friend. His presence will be 
missed, but a new chapter of his life lies ahead, and I wish him well 
as that chapter unfolds.

                          ____________________