[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 172 (Thursday, December 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CAROLYN CLOSS-WALFORD ON THE OCCASION OF HER PROMOTION TO 
                                COLONEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 5, 2013

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Army 
Lieutenant Colonel Carolyn Closs-Walford who will today be promoted to 
the rank of Colonel. Like many of my colleagues, I have had the 
pleasure of working with and knowing LTC Closs-Walford both personally 
and professionally when she served in the Army's House Liaison 
Division.
  LTC Closs-Walford's distinguished military career began at Winston-
Salem State University when she joined the Reserve Officer Training 
Corps. She graduated in 1987 and was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant in the Signal Corps and accepted a position in the Army 
Reserve. The Signal Corps develops and manages communications systems 
for the U.S. military and is integral to its strength and resilience.
  LTC Closs-Walford completed Signal Officers Basic Course at Fort 
Gordon in Georgia and settled in Washington, DC. She studied at 
National Louis University where she received a graduate degree. After, 
LTC Closs-Walford transferred to the Quartermaster Corps which provides 
logistic support for the Army.
  Later, LTC Closs-Walford served in the Army's busy House Liaison 
Division where she was the first point of contact for Members and staff 
who called on the Army for assistance. While there, she developed, 
coordinated, and executed Congressional Delegations to Iraq, China, 
Israel, and Sudan, among others. Her professionalism, attention to 
detail, and hard work did not go unnoticed by Members who were lucky 
enough to travel with her.
  LTC Closs-Walford's extraordinary career afforded her the opportunity 
to serve in the administrations of President George W. Bush and 
President Barack Obama. She supported the Deputy Assistant to the 
President and Deputy National Security Advisor by serving as a liaison 
to Members of Congress, the Department of Defense, State Department, 
and the intelligence community by coordinating strategic communications 
and global outreach.
  From the White House, LTC Closs-Walford moved to the Pentagon and 
worked in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and 
focused on women and gender issues, human rights, and international 
humanitarian policy.
  Currently, LTC Closs-Walford serves in the National Guard Bureau's 
Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate. She is responsible for helping 
to develop the National Guard's outreach, communications, and 
messaging.
  LTC Closs-Walford was born in Louisburg, North Carolina, located in 
Franklin County and in my congressional district. She is the youngest 
of 10 children born to William and Fannie Closs. Her father bravely 
served the United States in the military during World War II and was 
awarded a Purple Heart for his unflinching and valiant service in the 
face of danger. She is married to Raymond L. Walford.
  Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of LTC Closs-Walford's distinguished 
career. As representative of the congressional district that LTC Closs-
Walford is a native daughter, we salute her on this special day. I ask 
my colleagues to join me in thanking her for honorable service to the 
United States of America and congratulating her on her much deserved 
and earned promotion.

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