[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1433]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMES B. SEATON III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DARRELL E. ISSA-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the United States 
Marine Corps are exceptional. Our country has been fortunate to have 
dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their 
time and talent to keep this country free and safe. United States 
Marine Colonel James B. Seaton III is one of these individuals. On June 
25, 2009, a ceremony will be held on the occasion of his relinquishing 
command of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton as he leaves to assume the 
prestigious posting as Director of Commander's Initiative Group under 
General David Petraeus.
  Col. Seaton received his master's degree in political science from 
Duke University and later earned a Master of Strategic Science from the 
U.S. Army War College. Serving in many capacities over the years, Col. 
Seaton provided support for our country in places such as Grenada, 
Beirut, Japan, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific and the Indian 
Ocean. In 2001, he reported to the 1st Marine Division at Camp 
Pendleton, California for duty as Division Inspector and Deputy G-7 
before assuming command of 1st Battalion, 11th Marines in June 2002 and 
led the battalion during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In June 2004, he 
transferred to Twentynine Palms, California for assignment as the 
Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command G-3 and was promoted to 
Colonel in September 2004.
  Apart from his active duty service, Col. Seaton served as a political 
science instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy where he received the 
``William P. Clements Award for Excellence in Education'' as the top 
military instructor. He has also been a member of the Council on 
Foreign Relations, Pacific Council on International Policy, Inter-
University Seminar on Armed Forces & Society and other various military 
associations.
  Col. Seaton's tireless passion for service has contributed to the 
betterment of this country. His decorations include the Defense 
Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with Combat V, Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Gold Stars, Navy & 
Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon with two Gold 
Stars, and the Presidential Service Badge. I am proud to call James a 
fellow community member, American and friend. On behalf of the people 
of the United States whom he has served with courage and honor, we 
commemorate the service of Colonel James B. Seaton III and congratulate 
him on his new post.

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