[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 22919] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO DR. TERRY A. STRAETER ______ HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 27, 1999 Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is a distinct honor for me to pay tribute to Dr. Terry A. Straeter, an individual who is universally recognized as one of the most talented and innovative men in the field of defense aerospace and intelligence. Dr. Straeter is retiring following an illustrious career spanning over 30 years. He does so with the gratitude and appreciation of a nation that is more secure as a result of his work. And while the Nation has been fortunate to reap the benefit of Dr. Straeter's work, I have been even more fortunate in being able to call Terry a true friend. Dr. Straeter's personal and professional accomplishments reflect a selfish dedication to improving the national security of this country. He distinguished himself through his work in a wide range of national intelligence systems. Specifically, Dr. Straeter was instrumental in the development of digital avionics and spacecraft at NASA's Langley Research Center. In addition, he was recognized for the work he did in digital mapping, exploitation, targeting, and archiving systems. While working for the Defense Mapping Agency, Dr. Straeter led an exceptional team of engineers which developed digital production systems which have become the baseline for the evolution of our nation's imagery intelligence capabilities. Dr. Straeter's leadership and technical expertise were key in the development of the current generation of low-observable aircraft auto- routing systems--a capability which contributed significantly to the development of stealth technology in this country. He later developed a technology which significantly improved both the speed and accuracy of image extraction that directly improved our Government's digital map production. He also developed a commercial version of this solution that is currently used by more than 50 countries around the world. Dr. Straeter's enormous talent, his keen insight and penchant for creative thinking made him a highly desired advisor. He served as a member of the Senate Select Committee for Intelligence's Technical Advisory Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Security Affairs Support Association, an active contributor to the Defense Science Board, as well as a corporate leader of the highest standing. A recipient of the Intelligence Community Seal Medallion, Dr. Straeter is a national asset who is admired and respected by all who know him. I know I speak for a grateful nation in wishing Dr. Terry Straeter the very best as he begins a new chapter in his long, distinguished career. ____________________