[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT GENERAL SUSAN S. LAWRENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2013

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
exceptional officer of the United States Army, Lieutenant General Susan 
S. Lawrence. Currently serving as the Army's Chief Information Officer/
G-6, Lieutenant General Lawrence will be released from active duty 
after more than 41 distinguished years of active Federal service on 
December 1, 2013. From enlisted private to three-star general, Susan 
Lawrence has personified the Army values of duty, integrity, selfless 
service and dedication to country. Many of us on Capitol Hill have 
enjoyed the opportunity to work with General Lawrence on a wide variety 
of Army issues and programs, and it is my privilege to recognize her 
many accomplishments.
   General Lawrence, a native daughter of Ida Grove, Iowa, joined the 
Women's Army Corps at age 18. After five years of exemplary service, at 
the urging of her mentor, Maj. Gen. Mickey Marks, then-Sergeant 
Lawrence decided to make the Army a career. She attended college, she 
earned a commission and she committed herself to the Signal Corps. 
Since that day in 1977, Susan Lawrence has positively impacted the 
lives of thousands of soldiers and civilians, commanded at every level 
and done the nation's bidding around the globe. From Korea to Germany; 
from Operation Desert Thunder in Kuwait to three tours in Qatar under 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, General Lawrence has provided the U.S. Army, 
Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps, as well as our coalition partners, 
the Signal and information technology support essential to mission 
success.
   For the past five years, General Lawrence has been deeply involved 
in modernizing the Army's network, including redesigning its 
infrastructure and greatly improving security and defense to ensure 
that soldiers and decision makers have the information they need when 
they need it regardless of their location. At a time when information 
technology has become ingrained in every aspect of the military's day-
to-day and combat operations; and cyber warfare has moved from the 
realm of science fiction to one of the country's greatest real-time 
threats, Susan Lawrence has been out in front, pressing hard to make 
sure that the nation has a 21st century Army capable of defeating any 
enemy, whether face to face on the ground or in the ether of 
cyberspace.
   Throughout it all, General Lawrence has paid special attention to 
the men and women who defend the United States. She has mentored 
countless military and civilian personnel, helping the Armed Forces to 
retain the best and brightest. And, she has shown special care for the 
families of those who wear a uniform, always striving to improve their 
quality of life and offering a comforting shoulder in times of need.
   For 41 years, Lieutenant General Lawrence has provided outstanding 
leadership and sound counsel on numerous critical issues of enduring 
importance to the Army and our nation. She is a truly remarkable 
officer and citizen. On behalf of the Congress and the United States of 
America, I thank Lieutenant General Lawrence and her entire family for 
the commitment, sacrifices and contributions they have made throughout 
her honorable service. Congratulations on completing an exceptional and 
successful career.

                          ____________________