[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 14653-14654]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO SECRETARY JOHN McHUGH

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and the senior 
Senator from Rhode Island, Mr. Reed, who serves as the cochair of the 
Senate Army Caucus, together with the members of the caucus, I proudly 
wish to pay tribute to the Honorable John M. McHugh, former Member of 
the House of Representatives, colleague, friend, and inspirational 
leader as he leaves his current post as one of the longest serving 
Secretaries of the Army in U.S. history.

[[Page 14654]]

  To say this patriot has faithfully served his country is an 
understatement. After over 42 years of public service, John leaves our 
Army, our Nation, and our world both safer and more secure. Moreover, 
his tireless advocacy and bold leadership for our soldiers, civilians, 
and their family members are legendary. From improvements in family and 
mental health programs to unprecedented strides in combating sexual 
assault and suicide, John M. McHugh has truly earned the oft-stated 
moniker of ``The Soldier's Secretary.''
  Raised in Watertown, NY, John served as assistant city manager and 
went on to serve four terms in the New York State Senate. From there, 
this great leader was asked to run for Congress, ultimately 
representing his district in the House of Representatives for nearly 17 
years, and rising to be the ranking member of the House Armed Services 
Committee.
  As Congressman McHugh demonstrated repeatedly, it takes thoughtful, 
determined, and visionary leadership to ensure the security of our 
Nation. As a Representative of the 24th and later the 23rd District of 
New York, which includes one of our most important Army posts, Fort 
Drum, John ensured that cutting-edge facilities and programs supported 
our warfighters. To say that Fort Drum is the ``House that McHugh 
Built'' is very apropos. From MILCON projects to weapons systems, the 
soldiers, civilians, and families of that historic post were always 
cared for and supported, and John ensured that the 10th Mountain 
Division had all of the tools it needed to be at the tip of the spear 
of our Nation's defense. Moreover, his exceptional work as the cochair 
of the Army Caucus for over 15 years and as a critical member of the 
West Point board of visitors was instrumental in improving Congress's 
understanding of the Army's needs.
  During his tenure as the second-longest serving Secretary of the 
Army, John M. McHugh has been at the very forefront of national 
military strategy, policy, and programs. His expert leadership, bold 
initiatives, and pragmatic management of the oldest and largest 
military service has ensured that our Army remains the finest fighting 
force the world has ever known. And it has been no easy task.
  John presided over some of the toughest missions the Army has ever 
faced. From overseeing one of the largest retrogrades in military 
history; while holding the Army together as it was hit by 
sequestration; to reorganizing, revamping, and restructuring our force, 
while our soldiers conducted combat operations around the world, 
Secretary McHugh led with distinction and results.
  Of particular note, John's determination, devotion, and love of our 
servicemembers ensured that our most sacred and hallowed ground, 
Arlington National Cemetery, overcame years of neglect and transformed 
its management and oversight.
  With profound admiration and deep respect, we pay tribute to 
Secretary McHugh for all he has done for our Nation. We thank him for 
his dedication and sacrifice. We wish him all the fullest measure of 
peace and happiness as he boldly takes on new challenges in the next 
phase of his life.

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