S842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 30, 1997 together in the 1950’s, when he was the Theater at An- Army National Guard and the chairman of the Alaska Statehood chorage’s performing arts center. His Air National Guard. Committee and I was assistant to the generosity touched the lives of thou- He brought the great workhorses of Secretary of the Interior Fred Seaton sands of Alaskans, though they may the air, C–130’s, into service in Alaska, as Alaskans sought Statehood. never have known it. expanded our Eskimo scout contingent Bob Atwood was a leader in that Bob Atwood had the manners of an by establishing training programs for fight. He crystallized the support of old-fashioned gentleman, the curiosity women, and led the guard in helping our Nation’s press to put the 49th star and sense of fun of a youngster, and Alaska and Alaskans through floods on our flag. It was his understanding writing and editing talents that could and other natural disasters. and knowledge of the news media, and only be achieved through graceful ma- While many describe him as a sol- his friendships among editors and pub- turity and a great understanding and dier’s soldier, Nick Necrason was lishers across our Nation that brought love of words. equally as well-liked and at home in the press on board, to champion the In helping to make life better for all the civilian community. cause for bringing Alaska into the Alaskans, Bob Atwood made history. He was known for his skill at bridge union. Not too many years later, he He was indeed a great man, who helped and at poker, and with his wife, Myrle, was responsible for newspapers across to make our great land even greater. who survives him, as a gracious host, our Nation understanding the impor- He was also a dear, good and loyal welcoming people from all parts of our tance of building our great Alaska friend. I will miss him. Our sympathy State and our world to their home. pipeline. goes out to his daughter Elaine and his General Necrason’s heroism during Bob Atwood was more than a great grandsons and granddaughter, to whom combat, his distinguished peacetime publisher, more than the successful he was devoted. career, and his contributions to Alaska chairman of the Statehood Committee. As a visitor comes into my office, will not be forgotten. We extend our He was a cultural renaissance man, there is a photo of Bob Atwood and me deepest sympathy to his wife Myrle, who did much behind the scenes to pro- with our snowmachines in the broad daughters Ginger and Sandy, and his mote the arts and education in Alaska. fields near Alyeska, the ski resort in grandchildren. Bob loved new technology, and my home town, Girdwood, AK. I cher- Thank you, Mr. President. brought his newspaper into the com- ish those days when I spent time there puter age long before most of the Na- with Bob, with Evangeline and Elaine f tion’s largest dailies were on line. He Atwood. Bob was a true Alaskan—a real pio- LIEUTENANT GENERAL SAMUEL E. was the first one on the staff of the An- EBBESEN, ARMY chorage Times to learn how to use the neer. new computers, while his staff strug- Thank you very much, Mr. President. Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, today gled with the transition from type- f I salute an outstanding military offi- cer, Lt. Gen. Samuel E. Ebbesen, U.S. writers to the electronic age. TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GEN. CONRAD F. Army. General Ebbesen is retiring this His knowledge of history, and of the ‘‘NICK’’ NECRASON many serious- and humorous-stories month with more than 35 years of dedi- Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, our about Alaska and Alaskans who shaped cated service to our country, culmi- Nation lost one of the genuine heroes my State’s history, was extraordinary. nating in assignments as Commanding of World War II, a man who went on to Bob was generous in sharing those sto- General, Second United States Army, a distinguished second career in Alas- ries with organizations and groups who and Deputy Assistant Secretary of De- ka, when Maj. Gen. Conrad F. ‘‘Nick’’ asked him to speak or to attend their fense for Military Personnel Policy. Necrason died this last month. In his most recent position, he was meetings. He was the recipient of the Silver Above all, Bob Atwood understood responsible for the establishment of all Star, the Legion of Merit, and the Dis- the importance of a strong military policies concerning military personnel tinguished Flying Cross. He also re- presence in Alaska, the crossroads of matters including accessions and re- ceived our State of Alaska’s highest the world, and he helped to make the tention programs; compensation and military award, the Legion of Merit. benefits; and the classification, assign- Nation aware of our strategic global He began his career at West Point. ment and career development for the position. After his 1936 graduation, he went on to 1.4 million service members of the De- He was a tireless supporter of our flying school, earning his wings in the partment of Defense. His accomplish- service men and women, and remained Army Air Corps the next year. friends with many of them long after When the Japanese attacked Pearl ments were many, resulting in im- their tours of duty in Alaska were Harbor, General Necrason was flying to proved quality of life for our service over. For 40 years Bob served on the Pearl Harbor as part of a bomber members and the enhanced readiness of military’s civilian advisory boards in squadron. He loved to tell the story of our Armed Forces. Alaska, and was president since 1976 of how he had to land on a golf course General Ebbesen, a native of St. the Alaskan Command Civilian Advi- during the battle—the attack of the Croix, VI, was commissioned in 1961 sory Board. He assured that in Alaska Japanese on Hawaii. through the Reserve Officer Training there was—and still is—a partnership During World War II, General Corps [ROTC]. He holds a Bachelor of between our military stationed in our Necrason flew 360 air combat hours, Arts degree in political science from State and Alaskans. and was recognized for developing low- City College of New York and a Mas- Immediately after the 1964 earth- level bombing techniques. He flew a ters degree in public administration quake, he told me he wanted to buy whole variety of aircraft, most notably from Auburn University. His military land and build a house close to the area P–38 fighters and B–17 bombers. In 1943, schooling includes the Infantry Officer most damaged by the earthquake, to he was wounded in action over Burma. Basic and Advanced Courses, U.S. show his confidence in the future of A few years later, he flew bombers Army Command and General Staff Col- Alaska. He built that house and opened during the Korean conflict. lege, and the Air War College. it up time and again to men and General Necrason came to Alaska at During his distinguished career, Gen- women from our State and hundreds of an exciting time, just as statehood eral Ebbesen served in numerous lead- others he had met during his travels in dawned, and was commander of the ership and key staff positions through- our country and all over the world. Alaskan Air Command at Elmendorf out the Army. He served as the com- My friend Bob was quietly generous Air Force Base from 1958 to 1961. manding general, 6th Infantry Divi- to a number of causes which were never After retirement in 1965, he became sion, Light, Fort Wainwright, AK, as publicized. In addition, he was proud of Alaska’s Adjutant General and com- the deputy commander, Alaska Com- those which bear his name, to which he mander of the National Guard, serving mand [ALCOM] and as the assistant di- donated millions of dollars, including from 1967 through 1972, and again from vision commander, 6th Infantry Divi- the Atwood chair in journalism at the 1974 to 1982. sion, Light. After the division relo- University of Alaska, the Atwood Cen- During those years, he effected a suc- cated—north of the range—in Alaska, ter at Alaska Pacific University, and cessful restructuring of the Alaska General Ebbesen was instrumental in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 22:30 Oct 24, 2013 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\1997SENATE\S30JA7.REC S30JA7 mmaher on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with SOCIALSECURITY January 30, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S843 successfully integrating the 6th Infan- ensure the continued viability of the McMahon, Robert Patton, Carol Pow- try Division—Light—into the Fair- U.S.-flag merchant marine. It will ell, John Swank, Kenneth Willis, and banks community. He fostered strong guarantee that there will be an ade- Joan Yim. community relationships which endure quate number of private-sector, U.S.- To conclude, Mr. President, I would today. Under General Ebbesen’s tenure, flag vessels on hand for the Depart- like to add that the Maritime Adminis- the 6th Infantry Division achieved safe- ment of Defense in times of war or na- tration will continue to administer the ty records which were unsurpassed in tional emergency. Our Nation will con- Maritime Security Program through- the United States Army at that time. tinue to support a base of maritime out the 10-year life of the Maritime Se- This record was achieved in spite of ad- employment to provide trained, loyal curity Act. Although the work from verse and difficult climatic conditions. U.S.-citizen merchant mariners to crew the good folks at MARAD is just the He ensured that the 6th Infantry Divi- the Department of Defense’s Ready Re- beginning, we should honor their ef- sion were pivotal players in the U.S. serve fleet of sealift vessels. forts. They have done so much to en- Pacific Command’s Expanded Relations Quite simply, without this legisla- sure that the American flag will still Program throughout the Asia-Pacific tion the United States might have lost fly in the world’s sea lanes. American region. Further, General Ebbesen sig- its merchant marine. Some of our Na- merchant mariners will be on the decks nificantly improved quality of life for tion’s most honored former military of those ships. And, our Armed Forces those soldiers and their families sta- leaders let us know last year, in no un- will have the necessary strategic sea- tioned throughout Alaska. certain terms, just how costly that lift capability to project America’s Additionally, General Ebbesen served would be. Our Armed Forces are count- presence overseas. as the Deputy Chief, Legislative Liai- ing on the U.S.-flag merchant marine Thank you, MARAD. son, Office of the Chief of Legislative to bring them the supplies they need to f Liaison, United States Army, Wash- sustain their operations on hostile RETIREMENT OF PROCTOR JONES ington, DC; Chief of Staff, I Corps, Fort shores. If history has taught us one les- Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today Lewis, WA; commander, 1st Brigade, son, Mr. President, we should hold a marks the last day for one of the Sen- 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault, deep appreciation for the importance of ate’s most competent and skilled legis- the U.S.-flag merchant marine to our Fort Campbell, KY; Deputy Chief, lative aides. Proctor Jones, staff direc- Plans and Operations Division, and Nation’s security. That is why the out- tor of the Appropriations Sub- later Executive Officer, Office of the standing efforts of the Maritime Ad- committee on Energy and Water Devel- Chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of the ministration deserves recognition. opment has spent the last 36 years In the days following enactment of Secretary of the Army, Washington, helping to assure the legislative proc- the Maritime Security Act, the staff of DC; and Commander, 2d Battalion, 32 ess moves forward. I know I am just the Maritime Administration worked Infantry, 7th Infantry Division; Execu- one of many who are grateful for his tirelessly to iron out the contracts be- tive Officer, 2d Brigade, 7th Infantry guidance on a wide array of energy Division; and G3, 7th Infantry Division, tween the Government and the indi- issues. Fort Ord, CA. vidual U.S.-flag vessel operators. This During his tenure in the Senate he General Ebbesen’s military awards is the backbone of the Maritime Secu- has gained a reputation for doing his and decorations include the Defense rity Program. homework, having a deep under- Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of At the same time, MARAD staff co- standing for the appropriations proc- Merit—with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, ordinated their efforts with the Depart- ess, and perhaps most important, fair- Bronze Star Medal with ‘‘V’’ Device— ment of Defense. This ensured that ness. He was invaluable in securing with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious only the most modern and most mili- major projects for my home State of Service Medal—with Oak Leaf Cluster, tarily useful U.S.-flag vessels are cho- Kentucky, and I feel certain his hand- Air Medal and Army Commendation sen for the Maritime Security Pro- print can be found on important Medal—with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. His gram. These efforts will enhance our projects all across the country. combat assignment and training re- national defense capabilities. Jones leaves the Senate with an in- sulted in the award of the Combat In- The first contracts were signed last credible body of knowledge, expertise fantry Badge. Expert Infantry Badge, month, just before the holidays. And, I and institutional knowledge. He also Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault am pleased to report to my colleagues leaves after literally being the right Badge. He is authorized to wear the that the final contracts were just re- hand of such powerful chairmen as Sen- Army General Staff Identification cently signed. In just 4 months, the ators Russell, Ellender, McClellan, Badge and the Office of the Secretary complete 47-ship Maritime Security Magnuson, Stennis, BYRD and Hatfield. of Defense Identification Badge. Fleet has become a reality. We have It will be a huge loss to the Senate Mr. President, I ask you and our col- MARAD to thank for taking our vision and to States like mine that have bene- leagues to join me in saluting General and translating it into a viable pro- fitted from his knowledge and exper- Ebbesen for his distinguished service to gram. tise. But there’s no doubt that Jones this great Nation and to the great I want to recognize the Adminis- will continue to serve the greater com- State of Alaska, as well as his superb trator of MARAD, Vice Adm. Albert J. munity working with former Senator leadership of the men and women of Herberger. His firm leadership at the Johnston. our Armed Forces. It is with great helm of his agency has been exemplary. Let me close by wishing him and his pride that I congratulate him upon his Vice Admiral Herberger is widely re- family the best of luck and by once retirement and wish him the very best. spected in the maritime industry, and again thanking him for his commit- f his abilities as a manager, a negotiator ment not only to the U.S. Senate, but and an administrator, coupled with his to the American people. His service MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM extensive military experience, played a will not be forgotten and will continue IMPLEMENTATION major role in implementing this legis- to impact generations to come. Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise today lation. f to draw my colleague’s attention to The implementation of the Maritime the outstanding efforts and hard work Security Program also required the ef- TRIBUTE TO PAUL TSONGAS of the men and women of the U.S. Mar- forts of many MARAD employees. I Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, last itime Administration. I want to offer want to take a moment to recognize week, America lost a public servant my own heartfelt thanks to those indi- several workers by name: Debra and a leader of unusual intelligence viduals for their hard work and dedica- Aheron, Ray Barberesi, Murray Bloom, and vision. It is with great sadness that tion in swiftly implementing the Mari- Joan Bondareff, Cher Brooks, Thomas I rise to pay tribute to my former col- time Security Act. Bryan, Jim Caponiti, Veronica Carver, league and friend, Paul Tsongas, whose The Maritime Security Act, which Sharon Cassidy, Rhonda Davis, William untimely passing has deeply affected was approved by the Senate on Sep- Ebersold, John Graykowski, Steven both those who knew him well and the tember 24, and signed into law by the Jackson, William Kurfehs, John millions of Americans who respected President on October 8 last year. It will Lesnick, Richard McDonnell, Jeffrey and admired his exemplary life.

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