[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1973]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING COLONEL ROBERT M. WALTEMEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2012

  Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Robert M. 
Waltemeyer of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization 
(JIEDDO), who will retire from the United States Army on January 11, 
2013 after thirty years of distinguished service.
  Colonel Waltemeyer was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1983. 
In 1987 he entered Special Forces (SF) and commanded his first SF 
detachment in Bad Toelz, Germany, where he implemented and supported 
operations throughout Southwest Asia, Western and Eastern Europe, and 
Africa. From 1997-2003 he commanded the 2nd Battalion 10th Special 
Forces Group where he conducted operations throughout the Balkans. 
Following the events of Septemeber 11, 2001, Colonel Waltemeyer led the 
United States European Command's first war on terrorism mission through 
the Georgian Train and Equip Mission. In 2003 Colonel Waltemeyer 
conducted unconventional warfare operations in Northern Iraq, employing 
Kurdish, Christian and Arab militias to create a northern front in 
advance of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From 2003-2005, he served on the 
Joint Staff before taking command of United States Army Garrison Japan 
from 2006-2009. Upon leaving Japan Colonel Waltemeyer served as the 
Director of International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) Regional 
Command South's Joint Border Coordination Center in Spin Boldak, 
Afghanistan, where he led a combined staff comprised of United States, 
Afghan, and Pakistani military and security personnel.
  Throughout his thirty years of service to the nation, Colonel 
Waltemeyer has earned numerous awards and decorations to include: 
Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Special Forces 
and Ranger Tabs, Master Parachutists Wings, the Meritorious Service 
Medal and the Legion of Merit.
  I am proud to share in the celebration of Colonel Waltemeyers' 
military career. I would also like to congratulate his wife, Ramona, 
and his two children, Carrie and Sam, whose love and support has aided 
and strengthened Colonel Waltemeyer as he has served our great nation. 
I wish him all the best in his retirement.

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