[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

 THE NOMINATION OF COL. JOSEPH T. MURPHY TO BE A BRIGADIER GENERAL IN 
                      THE U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I am delighted that the Senate has given 
its approval to the nomination of Col. Joseph T. (Tim) Murphy to be a 
brigadier general in the U.S. Army National Guard. He has faithfully 
served in the South Dakota Army National Guard for more than 25 years 
and currently serves as the State's assistant adjutant general.
  I have had the honor and pleasure of working with Tim Murphy on a 
number of National Guard issues over the years and have been 
continually impressed by his commitment and dedication. He has been an 
outstanding advocate for the South Dakota National Guard and has served 
his State and country with the utmost integrity.
  Considering the excellent leadership that he has provided, it is easy 
to understand why the South Dakota National Guard has been so 
successful. Just recently, for instance, the 854th Engineer Company in 
Mobridge and Lemmon, SD won the 1995 National Guard's Itschner Award 
for the most outstanding engineer company in the Active Army, Army 
Reserve, and the Army National Guard. This is the fifth time during the 
past 20 years that a South Dakota National Guard unit has won the 
prestigious award.
  I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Tim Murphy and am 
convinced that his nomination is well deserved and long overdue. I 
would like to take this opportunity to review some of the highlights of 
his distinguished career in the South Dakota Army National Guard.
  Tim Murphy enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard upon 
graduating from Brookings High School in 1960. He subsequently attended 
the South Dakota Military Academy officer candidate school and was 
commissioned a second lieutenant in 1965. In the same year, he served 
as a full-time technician and administrative officer for the 139th 
Transportation Battalion in Brookings. In 1971, he was selected as the 
first recruiting and retention manager for South Dakota.
  During his tenure with the South Dakota Army National Guard, Tim 
Murphy served in many other capacities. As his extensive biography 
indicates, he was a maintenance officer, a personnel officer, and an 
assistant operations training officer. He was also the 129th Public 
Affairs Detachment commander and the South Dakota State Area Command 
recruiting and induction officer. In addition, he served as the plans, 
operations and military support officer; the director of personnel; and 
the director of logistics.
  Tim Murphy was promoted to colonel in 1984. Five years later, he 
entered active duty and became the U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer for 
South Dakota. In 1991, he became the chief of staff for the South 
Dakota Army National Guard at Camp Rapid in Rapid City, SD. He 
maintained that position until he was promoted to assistant adjutant 
general earlier this year.
  In addition to the many assignments that he has held in the Army 
National Guard, Tim Murphy has also earned numerous military awards and 
decorations. He has received the Meritorious Service Medal with four 
oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf 
clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
  Tim Murphy also earned the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Army 
Reserve Component Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and 
the Army Service Ribbon. In addition, he received the Armed Forces 
Reserve Medal with XX device, the Overseas Training Ribbon, the 
National Guard Bureau Eagle Award, and a Master Aviator Badge.
  I congratulate Tim on his nomination to be a brigadier general in the 
Army National Guard. As I mentioned, his nomination is well deserved 
and long overdue. I wish him and his wife, Carol, the very best and 
hope their future is filled with good health and happiness.

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