Fusion Power Associates periodically recognizes individuals for exceptional public service. Two such awards were presented October 19, 1999 by Fusion Power Associates president, Dr. Stephen O. Dean. The awards were presented to Congressman Ron Packard of California and to Congressman Rush Holt of New Jersey. The text of Dr. Dean's presentations is given below.

Congressman Ron Packard

At this time, I have the honor and pleasure to present Fusion Power Associates Public Service Award to Congressman Ron Packard of California. Congressman Packard has long been a champion of high technology programs, including fusion. He was first elected to Congress in 1982 by a write-in vote, becoming only the fourth successful write-in candidate for Congress in the history of the United States. Prior to his election to Congress, he served four years as mayor of Carlsbad, California, in the district he now represents. A dentist by education and profession, he was always active in civic affairs, which no doubt led to his current occupation. A long-time member of the House Committee on Appropriations, he is currently serving as Chairman of its Energy and Water Subcommittee, He also served for a time on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. Throughout his career he has taken a keen interest in science and technology as essential for the future well-being of our citizens. Consequently, it is fitting that we recognize Congressman Packard's many years of interest and support for the nation's science and technology programs by presenting him with Fusion Power Associates Public Service Award.

Congressman Rush Holt.

Fusion Power Associates also recognizes our former colleague, Congressman Rush Holt, with our Public Service Award. Prior to his election to Congress in 1998, Rush spent ten years working in fusion at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Throughout that period, he constantly worked to ensure that we built connections with the public into our programmatic thinking. He was especially effective in working to ensure that teachers and students in the schools had access to information on fusion. Though he has been in Congress only a short time, he has been one of the most active members of Congress, proposing and supporting numerous bills in support of education, health care and science. We recognize Rush today not only for the dedication he has shown to public service both before and since coming to Congress, but also for the personal career risk he has taken in running for Congress, a step he took because he believed the principles and policies he espouses are important to the future of our country. So it is my great pleasure to present Fusion Power Associates Public Service Award to Rush today.