[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 154 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7716-S7717]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL JONATHAN FARNHAM

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to pay 
tribute to retired BG Jonathan Farnham, who is retiring after having 
honorably served his community, State and country for 34 years in the 
Vermont National Guard.
  Jon was commissioned in 1981 through the Reserve Officer Training 
Corps at the University of Vermont where he earned a Bachelor of 
Science in economics. Prior to receiving his commission, he served as 
an enlisted member of the 1st Battalion, 86th Field Artillery of the 
Vermont Army National Guard.

[[Page S7717]]

  From his first assignment with the 86th Field Artillery, to his role 
as Director of the Afghan National Security Forces Development 
Assistance Bureau, to his nearly 3 years as a civilian employee serving 
as the Vice Director of the Guard's Joint Staff, Jon has served under 6 
Governors and 4 Adjutant Generals. As each of them undoubtedly would 
agree, his wealth of experience and knowledge has been invaluable to 
the State and Nation as he has risen through the ranks, serving at 
nearly every level of command in the Army Guard.
  He also served as a fellow in the office of Senator Jim Jeffords, and 
I have personally benefitted from Jon's legacy, having had the 
privilege of employing his daughter Lily in my Burlington office during 
the summer of 2010.
  Jon will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, dedication to 
duty, and deep love and appreciation for the State of Vermont.
  I am grateful that the Vermont National Guard was able to benefit 
from Jon's lifetime of service, and Marcelle and I send our best wishes 
to him in the retirement he has certainly earned.

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