The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING ROBERT G. KIGGANS” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2933-E2934 on Dec. 10, 2009.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING ROBERT G. KIGGANS
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HON. J. GRESHAM BARRETT
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert G. Kiggans of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and fellow alumnus of the Citadel, for a lifetime of distinguished leadership and service to the citizens of our State and our country. From his early days as a cadet at the Citadel to his current position as chief operating officer and president of the South Carolina Research Authority's, SCRA, Federal Sector, Bob has led an exemplary life and maintained a steadfast work ethic. His contributions to South Carolina and the United States in the fields of advanced computer and data technologies, program and technical management, manufacturing technologies, and command and control systems is recognized internationally. He is the embodiment of what makes America strong.
After receiving his undergraduate degree from the Citadel--where he excelled in both academics and athletics, achieving All-Time Lettermen status as a member of the men's basketball team--Bob earned his master's degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, Bob served his country as a navigator on B-52 model aircraft with the United States Air Force, operating from bases in Southeast Asia. He also directed advanced computer technology programs for the Air Force Strategic Command, SAC, including the development of a multi-million dollar automated executive information system, as well as other assignments. Having served his country with distinction, Bob retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel. After his military experience, Bob served as the deputy director of the Information Science and Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, assistant for program integration with the Department of Defense Joint Program Management Office. In addition to the foregoing achievements, Bob was appointed by the Department of Commerce to serve as head of the U.S. Delegation to the international Intelligent Manufacturing Systems Steering Committee and worked as a research fellow with the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
After serving his country in both a uniform and civilian capacity, Bob entered the private sector where he has worked for a variety of companies and nonprofit corporations including Cincinnati Electronics and the first president of the Advanced Technology Institute, ATI, a world leader in distributed technology management and affiliate of his current employer, the South Carolina Research Authority. Since its establishment in 1983, SCRA has fostered entrepreneurial development, introduced technological advancements, and supported countless industry leaders and small businesses throughout South Carolina and the Nation.
Through hard work and dedication, Bob has made significant contributions to our country's information technology and manufacturing technologies. His distinguished leadership and service has been invaluable, and for this I applaud him. His dedication to his family, friends, and colleagues should stand as an example of what we should all hope to be. I join Bob's colleagues at the South Carolina Research Authority, the citizens of our State, and his wife, Penny, his daughters and grandchildren in commending Robert G. Kiggans for his lifetime of service to South Carolina and this great Nation. May God bless them all.
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