S6490 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 26, 2006 Established in 1866, the U.S. Army U.S. Army Command and General Staff gious Freedom Act of 1998, which was Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia Dis- College. His military decorations in- sponsored by Representative FRANK trict encompasses the 13,000-square- clude the Defense Meritorious Service WOLF and Senator JOSEPH LIEBERMAN mile Delaware River Basin and the At- Medal, the Army Meritorious Service and Don Nickles, and was signed into lantic coast from New Jersey’s Medal, four oak leaf clusters, the Army law by President Clinton. Palden Manasquan Inlet to the Delaware- Commendation Medal, three oak leaf Gyatso was also awarded the 1998 John Maryland line. Within its boundaries clusters, the Army Achievement Medal Humphrey Freedom Award of the are more than 8 million people in east- and the Army Superior Unit Award. International Centre for Human Rights ern Pennsylvania, western and south- After turning over the command of and Democratic Development. ern New Jersey, most of Delaware, New the Philadelphia District to LTC Gwen The courage and dedication to free- York’s Catskills region and part of Baker on July 7, 2006, Lieutenant Colo- dom which Palden Gyatso has dem- northeastern Maryland. It also in- nel Ruch will move on to Fort Hood, onstrated serve as a powerful inspira- cludes two State capitals—Trenton, TX, as division engineer of the Army’s tion to everyone.∑ NJ, and Dover, DE—and the Delaware 1st Cavalry Division. f River ports complex from Philadelphia I rise today to congratulate Lieuten- and Camden, NJ, to Wilmington, DE. ant Colonel Ruch for a distinguished TRIBUTE TO BG JAMES D. HITTLE Just in the First State alone, Lieu- career and to offer my special thanks ∑ Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, during tenant Colonel Ruch’s accomplish- for his enthusiasm, competence and ef- most of our lives, we encounter an indi- ments during his 2-year tour of duty fectiveness in serving the State of vidual who lived a remarkably fine per- have been impressive. They include Delaware and the Greater Philadelphia sonal and professional life. Such is the completion of major storm damage re- Region. case of BG James D. Hittle, USMCR, duction projects at Rehoboth Beach, We will miss him in the Delaware whose anniversary of his death, June Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island, con- Valley and on the Delmarva Peninsula. 15, recently passed. General Hittle’s siderable progress on a new $70 million We wish him and his family all the best death received very little press cov- air freight terminal complex at Dover in the years to come, including, as we erage at the time, and I would like to Air Force Base, partnership in a prom- say in the Navy, ‘‘Fair winds and a fol- share with my colleagues what this ising program to restore oyster popu- lowing sea.’’∑ man achieved in his life time in the lations in the Delaware Bay, com- f words of a former Commandant of the mencement of a long-awaited project TRIBUTE TO PALDEN GYATSO Marine Corps, GEN P.X. Kelley, USMC to reduce flood damages in the town of ∑ Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President today, (Ret.) Elsmere, development of a trail con- in honor of the International Day in I ask that the eulogy given by Gen- cept plan to provide recreational op- Support of Victims of Torture, one of eral Kelley be printed in the CONGRES- portunities along the Chesapeake and my Minnesota constituents, Michael SIONAL RECORD. Delaware Canal, and even removal of Pittman, has asked that I recognize Ti- The material follows. an old abandoned shipwreck from the betan monk Palden Gyatso. historic Christina River—not to men- A TRIBUTE TO BGEN JAMES D. HITTLE, USMC Palden Gyatso was born in a Tibetan (RET) tion a host of other successful projects village in 1922 and became a Buddhist in New Jersey, New York and Pennsyl- (By Gen Paul X. Kelley, USMC (Ret)) monk by age 10. In 1959, during the Chi- BGen James Donald Hittle—devout Chris- vania, or the fact that all this was car- nese invasion and occupation of Tibet, ried out while many of his Philadelphia tian—great American—Marine officer—gen- Mr. Gyatso was jailed for protesting tleman and gentle man—loving husband— district employees were deployed to Af- along with thousands of religious Ti- caring father—always a friend indeed! ghanistan and Iraq or helping out down betans. Mr. Gyatso spent more than 30 Commissioned a Marine second lieutenant south after the Nation’s worst-ever years of his life in prisons and labor in 1937, Don Hittle was a ‘‘plank owner’’ hurricane season. camps, where he was a victim to reli- when MajGen Holland Smith activated the Commissioned as a second lieutenant gious and class oppression. He was tor- 1st Marine Division for World War II—was G– in the Corps of Engineers in 1986, Lieu- tured by various methods, which in- 4 for the 3d Marine Division under MajGen tenant Colonel Ruch began his military Graves Erskine on Guam and at Iwo Jima— cluded being beaten with a club ridden and after the war commanded 2d Battalion, career with the 7th Engineer Battalion, with nails, shocked by an electric 5th Infantry Division, Mechanized, at 7th Marines in the occupation of North probe, which scarred his tongue and China. Fort Polk, LA, as a platoon leader and caused his teeth to fall out, whipped After serving his Corps for 23 years, Don company executive officer. Follow-on while being forced to pull an iron plow, Hittle’s future life could easily qualify him assignments included liaison officer and starved. as a quintessential ‘‘Renaissance Man.’’ and company commander with the 2nd Despite these inhumane conditions He was Director of National Security and Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Divi- and cruel tortures, Palden Gyatso was Foreign Affairs for the Veterans of Foreign sion at Camp Castle, Republic of Korea, able to survive with remarkable cour- Wars, syndicated columnist for Copley News and the Live Fire Engineer Trainer for age and resilience. During his torture Service, commentator for Mutual Broad- the National Training Center at Fort casting System, Special Counsel for both the sessions, he would practice a technique Senate and House Armed Services Commit- Irwin, CA. He then worked as an oper- he learned while studying at a Bud- tees, a founder and Director of the DC Na- ations officer in the Pittsburgh Dis- dhist monastery, the practice of tional Bank, Assistant Secretary of the Navy trict, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, tonglen, which is a method for con- for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Senior before moving on to Fort Riley, KS, as necting with suffering and awakening Vice President for Pan American Airways, S3 of the 1st Engineer Battalion, and compassion. He would receive the consultant to the President of the Overseas then of the 937th Engineer Group, Com- anger and hatred of his torturer and Private Investment Corporation, advisor to bat. And just before coming to Phila- would exchange it with love and com- several Secretaries of the Navy and Com- delphia, Lieutenant Colonel Ruch mandants of the Marine Corps—and the list passion. goes on and on and on. served with Supreme Headquarters Al- During his imprisonment, Palden Col Don Hittle came into my life during lied Powers Europe, Belgium, as the Gyatso drew inspiration from elder the summer of 1956 when MajGen Jim senior staff officer for NATO Infra- prisoners, who told him that if he were Riseley dragged me kicking and screaming structure in Crisis Response Operations ever to escape, he should take action to from a cushy tour in what was then the Ter- dealing with operations in Afghanistan stop the torture. He has done exactly ritory of Hawaii to the labyrinthian cor- and in the Balkans. that: He has traveled to Europe and ridors of Headquarters Marine Corps. As Lieutenant Colonel Ruch holds a North America over 25 times and has many of those here today will recall, this bachelor of science in geo-environ- written a book to tell his story. He has was the long, hot summer of Ribbon Creek, mental science from Shippensburg Uni- and Don Hittle was Legislative Assistant to also testified before the U.N. Commis- Randolph McCall Pate, our 21st Com- versity and a master’s in engineering sion on Human Rights in Geneva and mandant. I was a young eager, starry-eyed management from St. Martin’s College. before the U.S. Congress. captain, very naive in the arcane world at He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Palden Gyatso’s testimony helped se- the Seat of Government—but I was soon to Basic and Advanced Courses and of the cure passage of the International Reli- learn. My first lesson was negative one—that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:02 Feb 06, 2014 Jkt 081600 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\2006SENATE\S26JN6.REC S26JN6 mmaher on DSKCGSP4G1 with SOCIALSECURITY June 26, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6491 a junior officer should never ask the Legisla- In closing, let me remind you that Don EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED tive Assistant to the Commandant for a de- lived by two simple words—words which have scription of his duties and responsibilities. given inspiration to our Corps for over 200 As in executive session the Presiding With that said, I did notice that every time years—Semper Fidelis—always faithful. Officer laid before the Senate messages Col Hittle came charging into Gen Riseley’s Don Hittle was always: from the President of the United office he closed the door behind him. While I Semper Fidelis to his God. States submitting sundry nominations readily admit to not being a ‘‘rocket sci- Semper Fidelis to his country. which were referred to the appropriate entist,’’ I did surmise that there were some Semper Fidelis to his family. committees. ‘‘big time’’ discussions underway. But, as the Semper Fidelis to his Corps. (The nominations received today are saying goes: ‘‘Nothing succeeds quite like And, Semper Fidelis to his fellow man. printed at the end of the Senate pro- success.’’ I was soon to learn that by work- In Don’s memory, then, let us share these ing closely with the Congress, where Mem- meaningful words with each other as we ceedings.) bers and their staffs knew him, respected leave this holy place—and let us pray that f him, and trusted him, Don Hittle had effec- one day we can live in a world where all of tively minimized the repercussions from Rib- its citizens are Semper Fidelis to each other. TRANSMITTING LEGISLATION AND bon Creek. One senior Member from the Don Hittle would like that.∑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO IM- House of Representatives was heard to say: PLEMENT THE UNITED STATES- f ‘‘Don Hittle is the best damned Legislative OMAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Assistant the Marine Corps has ever had.’’ CONGRATULATING BISHOP (FTA)—PM 53 One could go on for hours, perhaps days, WILLIAMS about Don’s myriad contributions to his The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- country and his Corps. As an example, I ∑ Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I am hon- fore the Senate the following message could tell you how he more than any other ored to have the opportunity today to from the President of the United saved the Army Navy Club from extinction. recognize Bishop Preston Warren Wil- States, together with an accompanying Senator John Warner, who is here with us liams II, a man of faith and conviction report; which was referred to the Com- today, could tell you that when he was Sec- retary of the Navy he never had a more and a leader in the African Methodist mittee on Finance: Episcopal Church. I am privileged to imaginative and dedicated Assistant Sec- To the Congress of the United States: extend my congratulations to Bishop retary. Joe Bartlett, the former House Read- I am pleased to transmit legislation Williams as he assumes the role of ing Clerk and a retired Marine Corps general, and supporting documents to imple- could tell you how Don Hittle was respon- president of the Council of Bishops. ment the United States-Oman Free sible for the creation of the dynamic Con- This role requires an extraordinary Trade Agreement (FTA). This FTA en- gressional Marine Club. Incidentally, Jim person, one of both strength and dis- hances our bilateral relationship with Lawrence, who is also with us today, once tinction, and the AME Church has said of this organization: ‘‘Congress created a strategic friend and ally in the Mid- found one in Bishop Williams. Bishop the Marine Corps—Congress has sustained dle East region. The FTA will benefit Williams, along with his wife Mother the Marine Corps—Congress had mandated the people of the United States and Wilma Delores Webb-Williams as Epis- the mission of the Marine Corps—through Oman, illustrating for other developing copal Supervisor, have been dedicated this organization we are now bonded to each countries the advantages of open mar- other forever.’’ public servants and tireless advocates kets and increased trade. In the end, however, all of his many other for at-risk youth of the 7th district. I In negotiating this FTA, my Admin- contributions to his country and to his be- am confident that Bishop Williams’ istration was guided by the objectives loved Corps pale by comparison to what he leadership will enrich the entire AME accomplished as a member of the renowned set out in the Trade Act of 2002. Con- community. ‘‘Chowder Society,’’ that elite group of bril- gressional approval of this FTA will The AME Church has an unwavering liant Marine officers who, in the aftermath mark another important step towards commitment to its members and of World War II when the very life of our creating a Middle East Free Trade Corps was threatened, ensured that our ex- should be commended for its special Area. Like our FTA with Bahrain that istence, our roles, and our missions were mission to strengthen the community the Congress approved in December written into law. Don’s critical role in the by encouraging and supporting chil- 2005, and our FTA with Morocco that survival of his Corps was best described by dren. While leading the 7th District, was approved in July 2004, this FTA of- Gen Merrill Twining when he inscribed his Bishop Williams built a partnership for book ‘‘No Bended Knee.’’ ‘‘To: Don Hittle, fers another important opportunity to at-risk youth, helped lobby for a teen Who saved our Corps.’’ There can be no doubt encourage economic reform in a mod- mentoring program, and put in place that the Corps we have today, with three ac- erate Muslim nation. Oman is leading services to provide for children in pov- tive divisions and wings written into law, the pursuit of social and economic re- owes an enormous debt of gratitude to BGen erty. forms in the region, including by sell- James D. Hittle, USMC (Ret). When Bishop Williams served at the ing state-owned businesses, encour- Isn’t it ironic to remember that 55 years 17th District AME in Central Africa, aging foreign investment connected to ago certain groups, whose objectives were in- membership grew by over 100,000, even- imical to the survival of our Corps, were at- broad-based development, and pro- tually resulting in the creation of a tempting to relegate us into insignificance. viding better protection for women and 20th District. Fittingly, Bishop Wil- Today, with a lion’s share of the credit for workers. It is strongly in our national liams used his power and influence to making it possible going to Don Hittle, we interest to embrace these reforms and have just heard that Jim Jones, our 32d Com- bring people together and inspire hope do what we can to encourage them. mandant, is soon to be the Supreme Allied in that part of the world. GEORGE W. BUSH. Commander in Europe. Our congratulations His dedication to faith and commu- THE WHITE HOUSE, June 26, 2006. go to Jim—his Corps is very proud—Don nity extends beyond the church into Hittle is very proud! f Several years after my retirement, Don academia. As chairman of Allen Uni- asked me to join him for lunch at his Army versity in Columbia, SC, and member MEASURES PLACED ON THE Navy Club. His purpose was to ask if I would of the board of Wesley Theological CALENDAR give his eulogy. I was honored beyond belief, Seminary in Washington, DC, Bishop The following bill was read the sec- but did not look forward to the day when it Williams brings his passion and fear- ond time, and placed on the calendar: would become a reality. less leadership to our students. Bishop Before closing, let me share with you a Williams is a spiritual leader, an activ- H.R. 5638. An act to amend the Internal story that Joe Bartlett told me last week. Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the unified Jinny and Joe are members of a Bible class ist, community leader, husband and credit against the estate tax to an exclusion at their church. As a gesture of their love mentor. I join with others in lauding equivalent of $5,000,000 and to repeal the sun- and caring for those who are terminally ill, his service, integrity, and vision.∑ set provision for the estate and generation- the class prepares an audio tape for their lis- f skipping taxes, and for other purposes. tening. On one side they include the pa- tient’s favorite hymns, and, on the other, a MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT f medley of their favorite tunes. During Don’s Messages from the President of the EXECUTIVE AND OTHER last days with us—a time when he was under COMMUNICATIONS heavy sedation—Joe swears that Don’s body United States were communicated to stiffened to attention every time ‘‘The Ma- the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his The following communications were rine’s Hymn’’ was played. secretaries. laid before the Senate, together with

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