[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO GENERAL LEON J. LaPORTE

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the 
professional dedication, vision and military service of GEN Leon J. 
LaPorte who is retiring from the U.S. Army after 37 years of dedicated 
service. It is a privilege for me to recognize the many outstanding 
achievements General LaPorte has provided the Army, and our great 
Nation.
  General LaPorte was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1968 upon 
graduation from the University of Rhode Island. He was commissioned an 
armor officer and served in numerous positions of increasing 
responsibility to include the position from which he will retire. 
General LaPorte's contributions throughout his career have made an 
historic impact and greatly improved our Nation's security.
  General LaPorte assumed command of the United Nations Command, 
Republic of Korea/United States Combined Forces Command, and United 
States Forces Korea on May 1, 2002. On October 1, 2005, General LaPorte 
became the longest serving U.S. commander in Korea. Earning this 
distinction is a tribute to his performance and the excellent 
relationships he fostered with our Korean allies. General LaPorte's 
tenure has been highlighted by several very crucial periods in the 
alliance. During his time in command, we have witnessed multiple North 
Korean maritime violations and numerous DMZ and airspace incursions. 
These threats to the security and sovereignty of Korea led General 
LaPorte to develop deterrent options and force enhancements that 
provided increased deterrence against aggression. Despite the 
tremendous implications involved, General LaPorte remained unflappable 
and skillfully designed military force packages that could be deployed 
against anticipated threat scenarios to address the uncertain 
political-military situations.
  General LaPorte has been a principal participant in the fast-paced 
bilateral military and political discussions. General LaPorte earned 
the reputation as a well-respected ambassador for the United States. He 
developed and maintained close ties with the military and civilian 
leadership of the Republic of Korea in partnership with the U.S. 
Ambassador to Korea. He is credited with fusing a lasting bond between 
the two nations.
  General LaPorte is a soldier's soldier. Throughout his career 
foremost in his thoughts and his actions have been initiatives in the 
best interest of the soldiers, civilians, and family members. These 
priorities are reflected in every decision he makes. He expects those 
serving below him to do the same. This was never more evident than when 
he deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, TX as the Chief 
of Staff in October 1990 during Operations Desert Shield and Desert 
Storm and more recently during the deployment of one of his battalions 
to Iraq in support of OIF. General LaPorte was tireless in ensuring 
that each soldier was properly prepared, trained and equipped for the 
mission and that every family was cared for by a Family Readiness 
Group. The reenlistment rates in his units demonstrate the love, 
loyalty and dedication of those who served under General LaPorte.
  During his illustrious career in the Army General LaPorte has been 
nothing less than brilliant. General LaPorte is a great credit to the 
Army and the Nation. As he now departs to share his experience and 
expertise with the private sector, I call upon my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to recognize his service and wish him and his wife 
Judy well in their new endeavors.

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