[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20601]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO JESS F. GRANONE

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2005

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Jess F. Granone for his many years of outstanding service as 
Executive Director of the U.S. Space and Missile Defense Technical 
Center (SMDTC). Mr. Granone is leaving the position, which he assumed 
in May of 1999.
  As director of SMDTC, he has been responsible for managing the day-
to-day research, development, test, and evaluation activities for the 
Army's space and missile defense technology program. He has ensured 
that the command's efforts are balanced and integrated to support the 
Army, the Missile Defense Agency, and the Program Executive Office for 
the Air and Missile Defense.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Granone began his career in missile defense as an 
engineer in the Joint Anti-Tactical Missile Project office in the mid-
1980s. He has participated in numerous international defense 
initiatives in conjunction with NATO, Israel, and Japan, as well as 
numerous special assignments such as Chairman of the U.S. Army Missile 
Review Board.
  Some of Mr. Granone's accomplishments include developing SMDC's first 
integrated technology program for Directed Energy, developing the first 
ever KATYUSHA rocket shot down by a laser system, and developing the 
Army's science and technology research efforts related to space and 
office products. Mr. Granone was also instrumental in starting the 
Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment System program.
  Through his many years of service, Mr. Granone has received numerous 
awards for his accomplishments. Most notably, he has received the 
Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award, the Meritorious 
Civilian Service Award, the Superior Civilian Service Award, and a 
Letter of Commendation from the Secretary of Defense.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama's 5th Congressional 
District, I rise today to express my gratitude to Jess Granone for his 
service to our military and our Nation.

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