MR. BERRY.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Congress, to acknowledge George Grugett, a man who has devoted his life to his country and to his community at large. Currently, he serves the Mississippi valley as the Executive Vice President of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association, a post he has held since 1980.  Mr. Grugett was born and raised in West Tennessee and while he has always been a part of the Mississippi valley, he has served his country bravely outside American borders.

After completing his training with the Aviation Cadet Training, United States Army Air Corps, he flew with the 12th Air Force in the European Theatre of Operations in WWII.  After the war, Mr. Grugett obtained a degree in civil engineering and worked as a civilian employee of the Corp of Engineers. Upon his retirement in 1978 after 35 years of service, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1991; awards befitting his commitment and his abilities. He retired from the Corp of Engineers to take up his position with the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association. 

In addition to an impressive record of public service, Mr. Grugett remains active in his church and community. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, the Scottish Rite Shrine, American Legion and the Society of American Military Engineers.  In light of recent natural disasters, I can't help but think of our own corner of the world and how thankful I am for people like George Grugett, who have worked with such dedication to foster flood control, bank stabilization, drainage and navigation; everyone of them integral to the survival of our area both economically and physically. On behalf of the Congress, I thank George for his dedication and congratulate him for his years of skilled service to his country.