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S86 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 22, 2001 though, his music helped save his life Naval Sea Systems Command and Pro- aging and developing chambers, and when two Russian diplomats who were gram Manager for the Navy Advanced has demonstrated success in a number fans of his show helped smuggle him on Prototyping Program. of key areas including economic and a ship bound for , where Borge For the last fifteen years, Mr. Metrey community development, technology found his way onto the S.S. American has served as Technical Director of the and tourism initiatives and govern- Legion, one of the last boats out of Eu- Naval Surface Warfare Center, ment affairs. Her success in developing rope. Carderock Division, where he has had a a highly visible seacoast regional hos- Victor Borge arrived in New York profound impact on the Navy’s ap- pitality and tourism program, her skill penniless and speaking no English. But proach to researching, developing, test- and her record of accomplishment are a he quickly learned the language by ing and evaluating naval vehicles. Dur- tribute to her state and community. watching 10-cent movies in midtown ing this time, Richard was directly re- If the accolades of peers are any Manhattan theaters. In less than two sponsible for the Division’s entire tech- measure of achievement, Robin is at years, he had adapted his act to the nical program—its planning, execution, the top of her game. Her energy, enthu- English language and debuted on the and staffing of current programs, as siasm and skill have allowed her to ac- radio show. Within a dec- well as strategic planning and new complish great things for the Granite ade he had appeared on and starts. Prior to that, Mr. Metrey also State, and I have no doubt that she been offered his own radio program. By served in the Navy Secretariat in a will be a tremendous asset in her new the end of his career, Borge’s one-man range of important responsibilities position. It is an honor and a privilege Broadway show, ‘‘Comedy in Music,’’ from Deputy Assistant Secretary of the to serve Robin Comstock in the United had logged 849 performances, which is Navy for Surface Warfare to principal States Senate, and I wish her all the still a record today. advisor to the Assistant Secretary of best.∑ Over the last half-century, he also the Navy for Surface Warfare Research f developed credentials as an orchestra and Development and Acquisition. DEAN KAMEN conductor, directing the London and Mr. Metrey’s colleagues attest to the New York Philharmonics, the Philadel- ingenuity and integrity he has brought ∑ Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. phia Orchestra, and the Boston Pops. to the positions in which he has served. President, I rise today to honor Dean He also raised millions of dollars for His contributions and accomplishments Kamen of Bedford, New Hampshire, worthy causes such as Thanks to Scan- have been recognized through many whose dedication to the field of tech- dinavia, a scholarship fund to com- prestigious awards, including the Pres- nology has earned him the admiration memorate efforts to help victims of idential Rank Meritorious Executive and gratitude of his state and nation. Nazi persecution. Victor was knighted Award, the Navy Superior Civilian As a testament to his many extraor- by all five Scandinavian countries for Service Award and numerous Out- dinary achievements, Dean was award- his life’s work, and was honored by the standing Performance Awards—to ed the National Medal of Technology United Nations as well as the U.S. Con- name only a few. He has also been se- by President Clinton in 2000 for inven- gress. lected to serve as the tions that have advanced medical care I will never forget the night of De- representative on several international worldwide. His innovative spirit and cember 29, 1999, right here in Wash- forums, and on high level committees, imaginative leadership have awakened ington, when Victor received the pres- including the Congressionally estab- America to the excitement of science tigious along lished Advanced Submarine Advisory and technology. with , , and Panel. Dean’s remarkable career as an in- . President Clinton hung I came to know Richard Metrey in ventor began while he was still a col- a medal around his neck that night in the early 1990s during the Base Closure lege undergraduate, when he invented recognition of his life achievements, and Realignment (BRAC) process. Hav- the first wearable infusion pump. This and Borge—clowning around into his ing had the opportunity to work with device rapidly found uses in such di- 90s—showed up at the reception after- him during the BRAC and on other verse medical specialties as chemo- ward in a red clown nose. matters, I can also attest firsthand to therapy, neonatology, and endocri- Years ago, on the occasion of his 75th his professionalism and deep commit- nology. Since then Dean has played a birthday, the New York Times wrote ment to our Navy and its mission. It is leading role in many major advances in an editorial calling Victor Borge, sim- my firm conviction that public service healthcare, such as the insulin pump ply, ‘‘the funniest man on earth.’’ To is one of the most honorable callings, for diabetics. He was also instrumental me, he was also eloquently warm, gift- one that demands the very best, most in the development of IBOT, a personal ed, and brilliant—a bright and irre- dedicated efforts of those who have the transporter developed for the disabled pressible star who lit the world around opportunity to serve their fellow citi- community, which is capable of climb- him. We shall miss him. zens and country. Throughout his ca- ing stairs, traversing sandy and rocky terrain and raise its user to eye-level f reer, Richard Metrey’s commitment and remarkable talent have enabled with a standing person. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS him to go beyond meeting this demand. Nearly a decade ago, Dean founded So I want to extend my personal grati- FIRST (For Inspiration and Recogni- tion of Science and Technology) to mo- TRIBUTE TO RICHARD METREY tude to Richard for these many years of hard work and dedication and I wish tivate America’s youth to learn about ∑ Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, him well in whatever endeavors he science and technology, and has per- today I want to pay tribute to an out- seeks to undertake in the years ahead.∑ sonally recruited many of the top lead- standing public servant, Mr. Richard f ers of industry, education and govern- Metrey, who retired last week after 41 ment in this mission. He has been rec- years of Government service in the ROBIN COMSTOCK ognized for his efforts by prestigious United States Navy. ∑ Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. publications such as Smithsonian Mag- Throughout his career, Richard Chairman, I rise today to honor Robin azine and the New York Times, which Metrey has distinguished himself Comstock of Nottingham, New Hamp- labeled him a ‘‘New Kind of Hero for through his leadership, commitment shire, the newly appointed President American Youth.’’ and dedication to public service, and by and CEO of the Greater Manchester Dean’s passion for technology and its making government work better and Chamber of Commerce, whose enthu- practical uses has changed the face of more efficiently. Beginning as a siasm, leadership, and dedication have healthcare and inspired a love of project engineer in the Ships Machin- earned her the respect of her peers and science in a generation of American ery Division of the former Bureau of the admiration of this state. children. Because of his extraordinary Ships, he swiftly worked his way up Robin has served for the past six achievements, we have a new under- through the ranks into positions in years as President and CEO of the standing of ourselves and the world, as senior management, including Head of Portsmouth Chamber. She has an ex- well as a renewed hope for the future. the Combat Systems Branch in the tensive background in running, man- It is an honor to represent Dean in the

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