[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17035]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO COL. MICHAEL J. SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2005

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Colonel Michael J. Smith, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, for his 
support of our Soldiers in their ongoing war on terrorism and in 
particular for his innovative approach to shortening the acquisition 
cycle for critical new weapon systems. Of particular note was his 
success in rapidly fielding the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station 
(CROWS). Through his vision and calculated risk taking, he has rapidly 
fielded this and other systems which have demonstrably led to the 
saving Soldier and civilian lives in Iraq. This has been a true force 
protection success story and a force multiplier for the Army.
  Col. Smith's innovations benefit Soldiers, policy makers, and tax 
payers by streamlining the costly test and acquisition process. His 
wise use of tax dollars resulted in Soldiers receiving the best 
possible equipment and enabling the rapid fielding of new technologies 
to enhance soldier capability while ensuring soldier safety. Through 
his leadership, Col. Smith established new levels of cooperation and 
teamwork between his program office and the numerous contractors 
involved in his programs. He embodies the highest tenants of 
Acquisition Reform and the Army's innovative Rapid Fielding Initiative.

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