[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H2857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING COLONEL JOSEPH BUCHE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Cotton) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COTTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize Colonel Joseph 
Buche, who will retire next month after 30 years of commissioned 
service in the United States Army.
  Colonel Buche was born and spent the first 12 years of his life in 
Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he attended St. Joseph's Elementary 
School.
  His father taught electrical engineering at the University of 
Arkansas, and Colonel Buche still remembers walking from his family's 
home down to Razorback Stadium to see President Nixon arrive for the 
1969 Texas-Arkansas football game, also known as the game of the 
century. While it didn't end well for the Razorbacks, few Arkansans who 
were alive then have forgotten that day.
  Following his father's death, Colonel Buche moved with his family to 
Wisconsin, where he received a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship from the 
University of Wisconsin, Madison.
  He was commissioned as an infantryman upon his graduation with a 
bachelor of science in 1984 and began what would become an exemplary 
career in the United States Army.
  As a lieutenant and captain, Colonel Buche was a platoon leader and 
commanded four infantry platoon companies. Colonel Buche also served in 
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 
Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as with the Old Guard at Arlington 
National Cemetery.
  His military honors include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 
oakleaf cluster, two Combat Infantryman Badges, and the Ranger tab.
  On a personal note, Colonel Buche was my commander while I was 
stationed at the Old Guard in Arlington National Cemetery in 2007 and 
2008 and while I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009. He set 
the highest standard for leadership, professionalism, and duty for 
every Old Guard soldier.
  Finally, I also want to thank his wife, C.J., and their two 
daughters, Megan and Shelby. Military families carry a heavy load, too, 
and they also sacrifice much for our country.
  C.J., Megan, and Shelby endured many days without their loving 
husband and dad, all so he could stand guard on the front lines of 
freedom around the world on our behalf. We are grateful to them.
  On behalf of the United States Congress and a grateful Nation, I want 
to thank Colonel Buche and his family for their service and wish him 
all the best in retirement.

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