Richmond Register



LOCAL HONOR

Bunning recognizes chemical weapons group director

Special to the Register

December 20, 2003


Craig Williams, director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group in Berea, was recently recognized on the floor of the United States Senate by Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky for his work to protect local citizens and communities surrounding chemical weapons storage sites.

During the tribute, Sen. Bunning said:

"Mr. President I wish to pay tribute to Craig Williams, director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group, which is based in Berea, Ky. On Thursday, Dec. 11, Craig will receive the Public Interest Research Group's annual John O'Connor Citizen Achievement Award.

"The O'Connor Award is presented annually to a dedicated advocate for a cleaner, better America. Craig Williams has dedicated his life to grassroots organizations safeguarding the environment and protecting Americans working and living near chemical weapons storage facilities. He rightly deserves this tremendous honor.
    
"I have personally worked with Craig for years on protecting the local citizens and environment surrounding the Bluegrass Army Depot in central Kentucky. As the director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group, Craig was instrumental in ensuring the safest possible disposal of chemical    weapons in Kentucky. Craig has been a tireless advocate against. the incineration of these deadly weapons and has done a remarkable job educating and mobilizing the local communities surrounding these disposal sites across the country.

"I congratulate Craig for receiving this honor, and I thank him for his tireless advocacy on behalf of a cleaner environment and protection of all those living and working near chemical weapons storage facilities. I look forward to working with Craig on future projects. I thank the Senate for allowing me to pay tribute to this dedicated Kentuckian."