[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 383] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF MAJOR WILLIAM W. MA, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS ______ HON. JOHN P. MURTHA of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Wednesday, January 20, 2010 Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding officer who will shortly be leaving active duty. Major William W. Ma will be retiring from the United States Marine Corps on March 31, 2010, after more than 21 years of active military service, culminating as Director, Marine Corps Appropriations Matters in the Secretary of the Navy's Appropriations Matters office. Major Ma enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988 and in 1993 was accepted into the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning and Education Program. In 1996 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona and received his commission in the Marine Corps. Throughout his career Major Ma has held numerous high level financial management, leadership and staff positions, including tours with the Force Service Support Group at Camp Pendleton, California; Company Commander Headquarters Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California; Head of the Programs and Resources Congressional Branch at Headquarters Marine Corps Washington, DC; Comptroller, Marine Corps University at Quantico, Virginia; Director, Marine Corps Appropriations Matters at Headquarters Marine Corps Washington, DC. Over his distinguished career he has been awarded two Meritorious Services Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Navy Unit Commendation, and various campaign and theatre specific awards. Major Ma's civilian education includes an undergraduate degree in finance and Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School as a Conrad Scholar Awardee. It was during his last assignment that I first came to know Major Ma. In this capacity, he has proved to be an invaluable link between the United States Marine Corps and the Appropriations Committee. Major Ma has escorted me, other Members of Congress, and staff on several occasions as the committee conducted inspection trips to review military operations and confirm the health and welfare of our troops. On every occasion, Major Ma performed his duties in an exacting and precise manner. But far more important to me was his thorough knowledge of the Marine Corps and the appropriations and budget process. He could always be depended on to know the status of funds and the impact they were having on our Marines and their families. Madam Speaker, I also want to recognize the Ma family: his wife Julie Kay, daughter Alysson, and his son Andrew. We can ill afford to forget that it is the strength of family, and indeed their love and support, that make it possible to honorably serve in uniform. In closing, I want to express my thanks and appreciation for the special contribution Major Bill Ma has made to the Department of the Navy and the United States Marine Corps. I wish Major Ma and his family continued success. Semper Fidelis. ____________________