Samuel Nunn: “today I want to congratulate Ms. Nell Strickland, Director of the Army General Library Program, on the occasion of her…”

“today I want to congratulate Ms. Nell Strickland, Director of the Army General Library Program, on the occasion of her retirement from Government service. I am especially pleased to note that she began her distinguished career in my home State of Georgia, at Camp Stewart in 1954. This career spanned nearly four decades of service in three continents with assignments in Japan, France, Germany, Vietnam, Panama, Hawaii, Washington, DC, and Virginia. During her time in Vietnam, Nell established mobile libraries, frequently moving them as the troops relocated. Traveling by helicopter in combat zones, she often came under enemy fire as she visited the libraries. Her tenure in Vietnam is a testimonial to her professionalism, courage and her total dedication and commitment to supporting our Army's fighting troops. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Nell again mobilized the library program in support of our troops. She developed plans for field library service to the Middle East, and coordinate the receipt and delivery of millions of donated books that made their way to all branches of our Armed Forces serving in the region. If you ever saw a picture of one of our soldiers reading a book in the desert, chances are that it was sent there by Ms. Strickland. Throughout her career, Nell accomplished her duties with a level of professionalism and expertise rarely equalled in her profession.”