[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO GENERAL BURWELL BAXTER BELL

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 
professional dedication, vision, and military service of GEN B.B. Bell, 
who is retiring from the U.S. Army after 39 years of dedicated service. 
It is a privilege for me to recognize the many outstanding achievements 
General Bell has provided the Army and our great Nation. General Bell 
was commissioned as a distinguished military graduate and second 
lieutenant in 1969 upon graduation from the University of Tennessee at 
Chattanooga. Following commissioning, General Bell specialized in armor 
and served with distinction as he rose through the ranks. His orders 
took him to posts throughout the United States, Germany, and the Middle 
East.
  General Bell assumed command of the United Nations Command, Republic 
of Korea/United States Combined Forces command, and United States 
Forces Korea on February 3, 2006.
  During his time in command, North Korea made provocative missile 
launches and numerous demilitarized zone and airspace incursions. 
Despite these threats, General Bell maintained military readiness even 
as he reduced the U.S. footprint in Korea by moving soldiers, 
civilians, and family members south, thus transforming the commands in 
Korea.
  In addition, General Bell has been a principal participant in the 
fast-paced bilateral military and political discussions, where he has 
earned the reputation as a well-respected ambassador for the United 
States. He also developed and maintained close ties with the military 
and civilian leadership of the Republic of Korea in partnership with 
the U.S. Ambassador to Korea. He has helped fuse a lasting bond between 
the two countries.
  General Bell is a soldier's soldier. Throughout his career, he has 
made the wellbeing of soldiers, families, and civilians a priority. He 
expects those serving below him to do the same.
  During service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as the United States 
Central Command executive officer, he worked to ensure that each 
soldier was properly prepared, trained, and equipped for the mission 
and that every family was cared for by a Family Readiness Group.
  Throughout his illustrious career in the Army, General Bell has been 
nothing less than exceptional. He is a great credit to the Army and 
this country. I wish him and his wife Katie well in their new 
endeavors.

                          ____________________