[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF JAMES E. LEIGHTY, LIEUTENANT COLONEL, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2009

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lieutenant 
Colonel James E. Leighty, USMC, upon his retirement after twenty years 
of service to the Marine Corps and to the Nation. My initial experience 
with Lt. Col. Leighty was when he was selected to serve as a 
Congressional Fellow in my office in 2004. During this period, he 
displayed a dedication to duty and a maturity that represent the finest 
attributes of the men and women wearing our Nation's uniform. After 
completing his fellowship, Lt. Col. Leighty was assigned to the 
Pentagon, assuming the vitally important position as the principal 
Marine Corps Appropriations Liaison Officer. In that capacity, he was 
the primary source of information and education regarding Marine Corps 
programs for the Members and staff of the Congress' Appropriations 
Committees. Lt. Col. Leighty was instrumental in articulating Marine 
Corps requirements on a wide range of issues, from the needs of our 
Wounded Warriors and their families to the requirements of Marines on 
the front lines in Iraq.
  In addition, Lt. Col. Leighty often accompanied Members of Congress 
and their staff on official travel to various locations around the 
world. During these trips, he was always focused, enthusiastic and 
totally knowledgeable on the Marine Corps. He provided valuable 
insights to all those he accompanied.
  Lt. Col. Leighty was born in Roseburg, OR and graduated from the 
University of Rochester in 1989 with a degree in Economics and 
Political Science, and received his commission through the NROTC 
program. His various assignments included a tour as a Budget Officer 
with the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA, Deputy 
Comptroller for the 3d Marine Division in Okinawa, Comptroller for the 
12th Marine Corps District aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San 
Diego, and analyst within Programs & Resources, Headquarters Marine 
Corps. He has attended the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico, and 
the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
  Lt. Col. Leighty's personal awards include the Meritorious Service 
Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I wish to express my sincere 
thanks for his hard work, selfless service, and dedication to the 
Marine Corps. I want to personally wish him and Jayne continued success 
in all their future endeavors.

                          ____________________