[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8363]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GENERAL GORDON SULLIVAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gibson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired General Gordon 
Sullivan for his accomplishments in over 54 years of total service to 
the soldiers, veterans, family members, the civilians of the United 
States Army, and this great Nation.
  General Sullivan, raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, was commissioned a 
second lieutenant of armor in 1959. After a distinguished career 
spanning 36 years in uniform and serving in command level throughout 
the Army, his career culminated as the 32nd chief of staff of the 
United States Army.
  On the occasion of his retirement from the Army, former Senator Bob 
Dole spoke of General Sullivan's caring leadership, sage counsel, and 
commonsense approach as he navigated the Army through a challenging 
period of significant downsizing and restructuring.
  Senator Dole stated, ``Our Army will sorely miss General Sullivan, 
but it is stronger and better for his service. The legacy he leaves--a 
ready Army, a future force that will be unmatched, and the deep love 
and devotion of his soldiers--is fitting of this great man.''
  After serving in uniform for almost four decades, General Sullivan 
continued to advocate on behalf of the Army as president of the 
Association of the United States Army for the past 18 years. His 
tireless efforts, ensuring our soldiers and their families had the best 
training and resources and that our veterans returning from combat 
received the best care, have been unmatched and are a true testament to 
this great man of character and conviction.
  Under General Sullivan's executive leadership, the Association of the 
United States Army broadly expanded support and outreach to the Army 
families, the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, and the Department 
of Army Civilians by the promotion, establishment, and support of 
countless programs and events at the national and local levels.

                              {time}  1015

  Additionally, the Association of the United States Army generously 
contributed millions of dollars to veteran and soldier support 
programs, such as the Fisher House Foundation, the Center for the 
Intrepid, and the Army Emergency Relief.
  Mr. Speaker, I first met General Sullivan 18 years ago, which was the 
week he started as the president of AUSA, when I served as an escort 
officer for the Senior Conference at the United States Military Academy 
at West Point. I was serving on the faculty at that time. I was struck 
by General Sullivan's graciousness, his humility, and the way he lived 
his life by conviction and integrity. I remain a huge fan to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of a grateful Nation to thank General 
Gordon Sullivan and his family for their over five decades of service 
to our Army. His leadership has directly enhanced the readiness of the 
United States Army. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting him and 
in wishing him well in his retirement.

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