[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL REGINALD CENTRACCHIO, 
                        U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of MG Reginald Centracchio, the Adjutant General of the 
State of Rhode Island and the commanding general of the Rhode Island 
National Guard. Major General Centracchio retired on September 1, 2005, 
after 48 years in the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He is the only 
adjutant general from Rhode Island to serve his entire career within 
the Rhode Island National Guard, rising from private to the position of 
adjutant general.
  Major General Centracchio enlisted as a private in the National Guard 
in September 1957. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1962, 
and was commissioned a second lieutenant, Air Defense Artillery.
  Over the past four decades, Major General Centracchio held a wide 
variety of important command and staff positions, including platoon 
leader and battery commander on various missile sites throughout Rhode 
Island; field artillery tactical intelligence staff officer and 
adjutant; recruiting and retention manager; plans, operations and 
military support officer; director of personnel and administration; and 
director of plans, operations and training, Rhode Island Army National 
Guard.
  Major General Centracchio was appointed the Adjutant General, State 
of Rhode Island, and Commanding General, Rhode Island National Guard, 
by Gov. Lincoln Almond on August 1, 1995. On August 1, 2002, he 
achieved the State rank of lieutenant general. On July 1, 1996, he was 
appointed director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, 
RIEMA, merging the National Guard and Emergency Management Agency. On 
January 21, 2003, he was reappointed by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri as the 
Adjutant General of Rhode Island; he was then appointed Rhode Island 
Homeland Security Advisor. Major General Centracchio is the first 
adjutant general to hold all three positions simultaneously.
  During his tenure as Adjutant General and Commanding General of the 
Rhode Island National Guard, Major General Centracchio's leadership and 
commitment were essential in ensuring the Rhode Island National Guard 
trained, equipped, and deployed soldiers and airmen in support of 
United States military missions at home and abroad. His experience and 
knowledge were constantly sought during numerous State emergencies in 
which Rhode Island National Guard troops were employed to ensure public 
safety. Under his direct supervision, the Rhode Island National Guard 
mobilized and deployed over 3,500 troops in support of Operations Noble 
Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. This represents the largest 
deployment of Rhode Island National Guard Troops since the First World 
War.

  General Centracchio exemplifies what it means to be a ``soldier.'' He 
was utterly committed to accomplishing his mission and completely 
dedicated to the welfare of his troops. He led by example. His service 
and sacrifice sustained the men and women of the Rhode Island National 
Guard and will continue to inspire them in the years ahead.
  I also want to commend his wife, Linda. She also served by his side 
to provide for the men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard. 
Together they made an extraordinary contribution to our Nation and to 
Rhode Island.
  Major General Centracchio's superb sense of duty and responsibility 
provided the citizens of Rhode Island with solid evidence of the 
National Guard's commitment to the State and Nation. On behalf of the 
residents of Rhode Island, I thank Major General Centracchio for a 
lifetime of selfless service. I wish him well and salute him with the 
title that he has earned and honored. ``Sir, you are a 
soldier.''

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