[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 119 (Tuesday, September 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF COLONEL PERRY L. BRIDGES, IN HONOR OF HIS RETIREMENT AND 
                 HIS INVALUABLE SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and 
achievements of an exemplary individual, Colonel Perry (Buddy) L. 
Bridges. Upon his retirement as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army 
Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and Fort Monmouth, he left 
behind a distinguished career, one through which he provided an 
invaluable service to his country.
  Perry L. Bridges first entered the military in May of 1977, and 
throughout his 27 years of service, he held critical responsibilities 
through his work with the Army, Department of Defense, international 
organizations and foreign governments. His commitment to his work 
earned him the respect of all his colleagues and anyone who was 
fortunate enough to know him. Today, I would like to take a moment to 
look back and pay homage to a decorated career.
  Colonel Bridges' outstanding career has included several high-ranking 
and significant command assignments. He served as Brigade Commander of 
the 1st Signal Brigade and he also served exceptionally as Battalion 
Commander of HHD, 56th Signal Battalion, 106th Signal Brigade.
  From June 1999 to May of 2000, Colonel Bridges performed 
magnificently as the Commander of the Signal Regiment's Academy and 
Director of the Signal Regiment's School of Leadership and Professional 
Development; leading an academy of over 1000 students, instructors, and 
staff personnel who were responsible for 17 leader and professional 
development courses.
  Through his tenure as Chief of Staff at the Communications-
Electronics Command and Fort Monmouth, Colonel Bridges directed and 
coordinated a functional staff of 600 personnel and the resources of 
CECOM consisting of 10,000 military and civilian employees and an 
annual budget of approximately $2.2 billion. Colonel Bridges developed 
and implemented changes in training and organization that dramatically 
enhanced and strengthened Fort Monmouth's force protection system so 
that our enemies will find it more difficult and more costly to 
interfere with Fort Monmouth's efforts to maintain peace and stability.
  As Chief of Staff at the Communications-Electronics Command, Colonel 
Bridges brought with him a stellar history of service and remarkable 
leadership ability, integrity and unsurpassed dedication to soldiers, 
civil servants, the Army and his country. His distinguished military 
career truly reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army 
Material Command, the United States Army and our entire Nation.
  A career as notable as this, should not go unrecognized. Colonel 
Bridges has received numerous awards of recognition throughout his 
career, which include a Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, 
the Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army 
Achievement Medal, just to name a few.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Colonel Bridges 
on a storied career and thank him for his vital service to this 
country. I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

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