[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL LARRY J. DODGEN

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                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LTG Larry J. 
Dodgen, Commanding General of the United States Army Space and Missile 
Defense Command/United States Army Forces Strategic Command. General 
Dodgen is also the Commander of the Joint Functional Component 
Command--Integrated Missile Defense.
  General Dodgen, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, began his 
military career after graduating from Louisiana State University in 
1972. Over the last 34 years, he has received numerous decorations and 
awards for his distinguished duty, including the Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with two Oak 
Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf 
Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to work with General Dodgen during 
his 2-year tenure as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation 
and Missile Command, which is located at Redstone Arsenal in North 
Alabama. He served in that capacity from September 2001 through 
December 2003. During his tenure in North Alabama, General Dodgen 
worked to ensure that the entire North Alabama defense community was 
engaged in efforts to meet the future needs of the Army and the 
warfighter. Our work together continued after General Dodgen assumed 
the Command at SMDC. I applaud his commitment to the Army, Redstone, 
and to our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, after 34 years of honorable service in the U.S. Army, 
Lieutenant General Dodgen is retiring from active duty. On November 30, 
2006, the North Alabama community held a celebration in his honor. I 
rise today to join them in their tribute and to thank him for his many 
years of service. I wish General Dodgen the very best for the future.

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