[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 21216-21217]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            THE PROMOTION OF MARINE CORPS GENERAL PETE PACE

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, General Peter Pace will soon become the 
next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There is no person more 
deserving of this honor and more ready to take on this awesome 
responsibility than General Pace, who has served the country with great 
distinction in the Marine Corps for almost four decades. I know the 
entire Senate joins me in congratulating him and in extending all best 
wishes as he assumes his new post as the primary military adviser to 
the Secretary of Defense and the President of the United States.
  General Pace assumes the position at a difficult and a delicate time 
in our Nation's security situation. We are trying to bring political 
stability to Iraq, carrying out an intense counterinsurgency in a 
country rife with sectarian tensions and outright violence. The war in 
Iraq and ongoing operations in Afghanistan are placing enormous stress 
on our military's equipment, long-range planning, and, most 
importantly, its people. Our defense forces are also heavily engaged in 
the relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. 
Active-Duty military personnel from each service are working closely 
with the National Guard to help Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to 
recover from these catastrophes.
  Yet if there is any military officer who will help the Nation's 
leaders understand the possibilities and limitations of military power 
in this ever-shifting international landscape, and mobilize our 
capabilities to best effect, it is General Peter Pace. General Pace has 
an extraordinary background forged through his strength of character, 
sharpness of intellect, and generosity of heart. General Pace is also a 
straight-talker, always speaking clearly and thoughtfully. He is a 
consummate professional who will also serve

[[Page 21217]]

as a true leader, adviser, and spokesperson for the Department of 
Defense.
  The depth and strength of General Pace's qualities and capabilities 
also come from his real-world experiences. Born in Brooklyn and raised 
in Teaneck, NJ, General Pace was commissioned in 1967. Soon after his 
graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he embarked on his stellar 
career and service in the Marine Corps. He served heroically in 
Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star in the line of fire.
  As he rose through the ranks, General Pace has commanded recruiting 
stations and infantry battalions. At each posting he has brought a 
strong sense of purpose, strength, and insight. He has also served as 
an executive officer and chief of staff to high level officers before 
becoming one himself. In the early 1990s, he was deputy commander of 
our Marines in Somalia. In every one of his postings, higher ranking 
officials have wisely recognized his talents and skills and sought to 
put them to use.
  General Pace will become the first marine to serve as the Chairman of 
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, just as he was the first marine to become 
the Vice Chairman. As Vice Chairman, he served the President, Secretary 
of Defense Rumsfeld, and Chairman Richard Myers superbly, overseeing 
the often complicated military requirements process and ensuring that 
the enormous staff of the Joint Chiefs runs smoothly. As a member of 
the Joint Chiefs, he contributed his wide-ranging insights and 
knowledge, as this important group tackled crises like the attacks of 
September 11 and the war in Iraq.
  General Pace is devoted to his family--his wife Lynne and two 
children, Peter and Tiffany Marie and my wife Marcelle and I have 
enjoyed the time we have spent with them. We know that part of the 
dignity and strength that the general will bring to this new position 
comes from that incredible and invaluable family support.
  I know that the entire Senate is proud of General Pete Pace and the 
Senate, like me, will want to wish him warm congratulations, deep 
appreciation and all best wishes in his new position.

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