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May 1, 2003 Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and career
of my friend, Air Force Lt. General Roger DeKok. General DeKok died suddenly last week while on a business
trip. My heartfelt condolences, and those of the many individuals in the
South Bay he commanded and who were his friends, go to his wife, Carol,
and family. I first met General DeKok when he assumed command in August
1996 of the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) at Los Angeles Air
Force Base in my district. SMC is the Air Force's pre-eminent procurement
center for space-based systems, including the nation's sophisticated surveillance
satellites and technology to track and intercept enemy missiles. Commander of SMC for only two years, General DeKok excelled
in motivating people. His loyalty, warmth and kind personality are virtues
for which he will be remembered. Under his leadership, SMC continued its
tradition of excellence and continued to produce many of the high quality
space-based systems necessary for the war fighter of the 21st century.
General DeKok's activities and passion centered on the frontiers
of outer space. He served in numerous space plans and operations positions,
from detachment level to space policy work in the White House, and commanded
two space wings. While serving at the Pentagon in 1983, he coordinated the
Air Force Space Plan. During his assignment to the White House National
Security Council, he helped develop and coordinate the U.S. National Space
Policy that was signed by President Reagan in January 1988. Prior to assuming
his last position as vice commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson
AFB, he served as deputy chief of staff for plans and programs at Headquarters
U.S. Air Force, where he was responsible to the secretary of the Air Force
and the chief of staff for planning, programming and manpower activities
within the corporate Air Force. Home | Lobby | Congresswoman Harman's Office | Press | Issues | Casework | District Office | Library | Webmaster | Privacy Policy | Contact
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