[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15623]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOHN M. McHUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, Congressman 
Ruppersberger, and the House Army Caucus, I rise today to pay tribute 
to the Honorable John M. McHugh, former Member of the House, colleague, 
and friend, on the eve of his departure as one of the longest serving 
Secretaries of the Army in U.S. history.
  After over 42 years of public service, Secretary McHugh leaves our 
Army and our Nation safer and more secure. His tireless advocacy and 
bold leadership for our Soldiers, Civilians, and their Family Members 
is legendary. From improvements in family and mental health programs to 
unprecedented strides to combat sexual assault and suicide, John has 
truly earned the reputation as ``The Soldier's Secretary.''
  Having served as the House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member, 
Congressman McHugh's thoughtful, determined, and visionary leadership 
ensured the security of our Nation. As a Representative from New York's 
24th and later the 23rd Districts, John ensured that cutting-edge 
facilities, upgrades, and programs directly supported our Warfighters. 
Fort Drum is but one example; it is truly the ``House that McHugh 
Built.'' He ensured the 10th Mountain Division had all the tools 
required to be at the tip of the spear for our Nation's defense.
  John made unprecedented strides as the Co-Chair of the Army Caucus 
for over 15 years and served as a critical member of the West Point 
Board of Visitors. He was a dynamic leader in this House, a trusted 
Representative of his constituents, and an amazing advocate for our 
Soldiers and our country's national security.
  During his tenure as the second-longest serving Secretary in history, 
John was at the forefront of national and international strategy, 
military policy, and Soldier programs. His expert leadership, bold 
initiatives, and pragmatic management ensured that our Army remained 
the finest fighting force the world has ever known.
  John presided over some of the toughest missions the Army has ever 
faced. He oversaw the largest retrograde in military history as our 
troops departed Iraq, held the Army together as it was hit by 
sequestration, and worked tirelessly to reorganize, revamp, and 
restructure our force. Secretary McHugh led these efforts with 
distinction as our Soldiers conducted simultaneous combat operations 
around the world.
  Secretary McHugh's determination, devotion, and love of our Service 
Members also ensured that our most sacred and hallowed ground, 
Arlington National Cemetery, overcame years of neglect to become the 
epitome of a well-run and well-led resting place for our Nation's 
heroes. In fact, it is now the gold standard for cemetery 
administration because of his personal and unwavering commitment and 
leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation is safe and secure because of the drive, 
determination, and leadership of Secretary John M. McHugh. Today, we 
join with all Americans in our profound admiration and deep respect for 
this true Patriot. We thank Secretary McHugh for his dedication and 
sacrifice and wish him the fullest measure of peace and happiness as he 
enters the next phase of his life.