[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE END-OF-ACTIVE SERVICE OF STAFF SERGEANT CLAIRE J. 
                 BUFFINGTON, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 7 
years that SSG Claire Buffington has served in the United States Marine 
Corps.
  Coming to the United States from Scotland, Great Britain, Staff 
Sergeant Buffington is a true patriot who has significantly contributed 
to the defense of our Nation. Staff Sergeant Buffington enlisted in the 
U.S. Marine Corps in June 1999, and was assigned to the Fourth Recruit 
Training Battalion, Recruit Training Center, Parris Island, SC. She 
graduated as company honor graduate and received a meritorious 
promotion to the rank of private first class. She subsequently attended 
Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC, and Supply School at Camp 
Johnson, NC.
  Private First Class Buffington's first assignment was to the Second 
Marine Division's Supply section at Camp Lejeune, where she served as a 
supply clerk. She was promoted to the rank of lance corporal and then 
transferred to the Second Marine Division Headquarters Battalion supply 
section where she served as a supply clerk and platoon sergeant. During 
this assignment, she earned meritorious promotion to the rank of 
corporal in July 2001, completed Corporal's Leadership Course, and then 
earned meritorious promotion to sergeant in November 2001. Sergeant 
Buffington also graduated from the Marine Corps Marksmanship 
Instructor's Course and served as pistol and rifle requalification 
coach for Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division.
  In June 2003, Sergeant Buffington was assigned to the House Liaison 
Office, Office of Legislative Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, as 
the administrative clerk, and was promoted to staff sergeant on 
February 12, 2006. In her current capacity, Staff Sergeant Buffington 
has faithfully served the 435 members of the 106th, 107th, 108th and 
109th Congresses as a member of the Marine Corps' House of 
Representatives Liaison Office. Staff Sergeant Buffington has been 
responsible for directing and organizing many congressional and staff 
delegations around the world, as well as numerous congressional events 
on Capitol Hill. Her attention to detail in every event she 
participates has made a positive impact on the relationship between the 
Congress and the Marine Corps.
  Mr. Speaker, few can match the dedication and Esprit de Corps that 
Claire Buffington has shown over her 7 years of service to Corps and 
country. I wish Claire and her husband Tony continued success in their 
future endeavors. Many thanks Staff Sergeant Buffington, our Nation has 
benefited from your outstanding leadership

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