[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 147 (Friday, November 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING MAJOR EDWARD (ED) KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2012

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous respect and gratitude 
that I rise to honor MAJ Edward (Ed) Kennedy, United States Army, for 
his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to the United States 
of America. Major Kennedy has recently moved on from his assignment as 
an Army Congressional Liaison to the House of Representatives to become 
a Battalion Operations Officer in the 3rd Infantry Division.
  A native of Danbury, Connecticut, Major Kennedy graduated from the 
United States Military Academy in May of 2000 and was commissioned in 
the Infantry Branch. After his first assignment as an Infantry Platoon 
Leader in Hawaii, he commanded both Infantry and Armor units in the 4th 
Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX. During that time he deployed once 
in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and twice in support of 
Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
  In July 2009, Major Kennedy was selected for the highly competitive 
Joint Chiefs of Staff Internship program. During the internship, he 
earned a Master's degree at Georgetown University, and then served a 
one year tour on the Joint Staff as the Action Officer for the Special 
Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle 
focus on Warrior and Family Support. His next year was spent on the 
Army Staff as a Congressional Liaison to the United States House of 
Representatives working for the Office of the Chief Legislative 
Liaison.
  Mr. Speaker, it was during his assignment as a Congressional Liaison 
that I had the honor of getting to know this great patriot personally. 
It has been a true pleasure and privilege to work closely with Major 
Kennedy during the 112th Session of Congress.
  On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues in recognizing 
and commending Major Kennedy for his meritorious service to our 
country. For all that he and his family have given and continue to give 
to our country; we are forever in their debt. But for the courageous 
service of our Nation's heroic military personnel such as Major Kennedy 
and the selflessness of military families such as his, the unparalleled 
freedoms and security that I and all Americans enjoy every day would 
not be. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I 
extend heartiest best wishes to Major Kennedy, his wife Jacey, and his 
daughter Katelyn as they continue on their journey of service.

                          ____________________