[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 126 (Thursday, October 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1821-E1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MS. ELSA BIRCHWOOD ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AS 
        DIRECTOR OF THE CHIEF OF THE ARMY RESERVE'S STAFF GROUP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the departure of a great 
lady and a good friend, Ms. Elsa Birchwood, the Director of the Chief 
of the Army Reserve's Staff Group. For the past ten years, Ms. 
Birchwood served as a superb leader, counselor, mentor, and confidant 
not only within her own office, but also earned the respect from other 
components of the Department of Defense. She served with great 
distinction in a full military career that began with her enlistment in 
the Active Army, duty as a drill sergeant, and ultimately as a 
commissioned officer in the Active Guard and Reserve Program. 
Throughout this period, she proved herself to be an outstanding leader 
and thoroughly professional staff officer of great experience and 
compassion.
  Ms. Birchwood's loyalty and reputation led to her return to Federal 
service in January 1994 as a civilian military personnel management 
specialist in the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve. She applied her 
skills to her congressional liaison activities, the White House and 
Executive Branch agencies. She was an invaluable point of contact for 
legislative matters and always made herself available to Members of 
Congress and their staffs. She responded rapidly to inquiries regarding 
Army Reserve programs and policies and individual personnel management 
problems. Her cooperative spirit, determination and perseverance gained 
her and the Department of Defense many friends and much good will.
  Ms. Birchwood's reputation for candor and integrity spread throughout 
the Reserve community and senior leadership in the Washington area. By 
the time she was appointed the Director of the Chief, Army Reserve's 
Staff Group, she had become something of a legend and a cultural hero 
as an advisor to the Chiefs of the Army Reserve, other general 
officers, and their staffs. She was an enlightened manager, 
anticipating emerging issues before they impeded the agency's 
involvement in the Global War on Terror.
  Despite myriad demands on her time, Ms. Birchwood always responded 
with detailed advice and refreshing candor. She mentored her 
subordinates and assisted in their professional development. She took 
personal and professional responsibility to prepare those she 
supervised to perform up to their potential and she never shirked that 
responsibility. She was at once enthusiastic and practical, offering 
long-range advice and suggesting specific immediate courses of action 
for achieving professional goals and objectives.
  At the end of the day, Elsa Birchwood stands as a splendid role model 
for all who aspire to meaningful public service. She served her country 
well as a private soldier and officer, and as a distinguished civil 
servant. She rose to the grade of GS-15 and served with great 
distinction as a supervisor, mentor, counselor, and friend. Elsa never 
forgot that she was first a soldier. Elsa Birchwood deserves our 
thanks, and I salute her lifetime of service to America. We are proud 
of you and your legacy is now the standard. Job well done, my friend.

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