[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF JIM McCRINDLE

 Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
recognize a dedicated public servant and a patriotic American from my 
home State--Mr. James ``Jim'' McCrindle. Jim passed away on June 1, but 
his legacy lives on through all that he accomplished and all those he 
touched.
  In 1961, Jim immigrated to America from Ayr, Scotland, to pursue an 
education and earn his piece of the American dream. He joined the U.S. 
Army in 1962 and attained the rank of specialist five.
  Following his military service, Jim began serving our Nation in a 
different capacity through his involvement in the Department of 
Defense's Morale, Welfare & Recreation, MWR, services and programs. His 
work helped to enhance the lives of these employees by promoting 
fitness, good health, and camaraderie.
  Jim went on to fulfill his goal of receiving an education by 
attaining a degree in hospitality management from Cornell University. 
He would use these skills to support the soldiers he greatly respected 
and admired.
  Throughout his life, Jim strived to bring comfort to members of our 
armed services. Among his many accomplishments, he managed the Armed 
Forces Recreation Center--Europe, helped to plan and execute the 
Department of Defense's R&R program during Operations Desert Shield and 
Desert Storm, and was instrumental in the development of Shades of 
Green--a Walt Disney World Resort for members of our military.
  Jim served as the hotel's manager and helped it to achieve great 
success. Since its opening in 1995, Shades of Green has routinely 
achieved one of the highest occupancy rates of any American hotel.
  Jim managed Shades of Green up until his passing early this month. It 
was truly his pride and joy, and was one of his many contributions to 
our Nation. I applaud his steadfast commitment to improving the lives 
of others. On behalf of Florida and the people of the United States, I 
would like to honor this great American for reminding us all of what 
makes our Nation great.

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