[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO RETIRING COLONEL ROBERT N. CLEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2000

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that our 
colleague in the House of Representatives, Colonel Robert N. Clement, 
will retire from the Tennessee Army National Guard on April 30, 2000, 
after more than 31 years of exemplary military service.
  Colonel Clement began his career as a Second Lieutenant in the United 
States Army Reserve. In January 1969, he entered active duty for his 
Officers Basic Course in the Adjutant General's Corps. Upon completion 
of the school at Fort Benjamin Harrison in March, he attended Middle 
Managers training at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Colonel Clement remained at 
Fort Gordon to serve as the Assistant Adjutant at the United States 
Civil Affairs School, where he received a Certificate of Achievement 
for his performance. He completed his active duty service with the Army 
Forces Entrance and Examination Station at Nashville, Tennessee. During 
this time, he earned promotion to first lieutenant and received the 
Army Commendation Medal.
  Colonel Clement joined the Tennessee Army National Guard in January 
1971 when he became a Personnel Management Officer in the 530th 
Administration Company. He was promoted to Captain while serving as a 
Special Services Officer in that unit. In 1975, he became an Assistant 
Information Officer in the 118th Public Affair Detachment. Shortly 
thereafter, Colonel Clement was reassigned as a Race Relations and 
Equal Opportunity Training Officer in the Headquarters, Tennessee Army 
National Guard, Nashville, Tennessee. He then served the Headquarters 
as Race Relations and Equal Opportunity Officer for the next six and 
one half years. He was promoted to Major during this assignment.
  In 1983, Colonel Clement was named Chief, Enlisted Personnel Branch, 
Headquarters, State Area Command, Tennessee Army National Guard. After 
receiving significant experience in personnel actions over the next 
three years, he became a Selective Service Officer and was promoted to 
Lieutenant Colonel. His next assignment was as a Plans and Operations 
Officer in the Plans, Operations and Training Division. After 
completing four years in this assignment, he was promoted to Colonel 
and detailed as a Special Plans and Operations Officer. In July 1995, 
Colonel Clement became the Deputy Director, Plans, Operations and 
Training Division. One year later, he was assigned as the Senior 
Medical Operations Support Officer in support of MEDIGUARD Operations 
and served admirably in this assignment until his retirement.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel Clement has dedicated over 31 years to the 
military, serving with honor and distinction. I wish him all the best 
in the days ahead as he continues his public service by representing 
the people of the state of Tennessee. I am certain that the Members of 
the House will join me in paying tribute to this fine officer.

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