[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MAJOR GENERAL R. MARTIN UMBARGER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2015

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Major General 
R. Martin Umbarger and wish him well upon his retirement from the 
Indiana National Guard. Since his initial appointment on March 11, 
2004, Major General Umbarger has undertaken great responsibility as 
Adjutant General of Indiana, commanding the Indiana Army and Air 
National Guard and the Indiana Guard Reserve, as well as more than 
15,800 state employees. In recognition of his outstanding 
accomplishments and distinguished career, a retirement reception in his 
honor will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at JW Marriott in 
Indianapolis, Indiana.
   Major General Umbarger began his remarkable military career with the 
Indiana Army National Guard in 1969. Upon graduating from the Indiana 
Military Academy in June 1971, where he earned the Distinguished 
Graduate Erickson Trophy, Major General Umbarger was commissioned as a 
second lieutenant, infantry branch. Prior to his present position, he 
served as deputy commanding general for the reserve component, United 
States Forces Command. Other significant assignments include the 
assistant division commander for training, 38th Infantry Division 
(Mechanized), and commanding general of the 76th Infantry Brigade 
(Separate).
   Major General Umbarger is also a graduate of the University of 
Evansville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business. 
He also completed studies at the United States Command and General 
Staff College, as well as the United States Army War College.
   A testament to his commitment to his duties, Major General Umbarger 
has been honored with many prestigious awards and accolades. He is the 
recipient of the Legion of Merit (2nd Award), the Meritorious Service 
Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army Commendation Medal, the Army 
Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (7th 
Award), the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve 
Medal (with one hourglass device), the Army Service Ribbon, the Army 
Reserve Components Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas 
Training Ribbon, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Indiana Long 
Service Medal, the Indiana Emergency Service Medal, and the Indiana 
Distinguished Service Medal (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster). In 2007, Major 
General Umbarger was also presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award 
from his alma mater, the University of Evansville.
   Major General Umbarger has also exhibited his extraordinary 
leadership abilities in serving as a member of the Reserve Forces 
Policy Board and the National Guard Association of the United States, 
which he chaired from 2006 until 2008. He has also served as a 
principal member of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee and is a 
member of the Association of the United States Army, Indiana Chapter.
   Major General Umbarger's civilian achievements are no less 
noteworthy. He is president of Roy Umbarger and Sons, a fourth 
generation, family-owned and operated business located in central 
Indiana that provides custom services to the local agricultural 
community. In conjunction with his civilian career and passion for his 
community, Major General Umbarger has participated on numerous boards 
within the community including the Johnson County Animal Shelter 
Advisory Board and the Indiana Feed and Grain Association, for which he 
is a past director and chairman. He also currently serves on the Board 
of Trustees for both Johnson Memorial Hospital and Franklin College.
   Major General Umbarger's exceptional military and civilian career 
and passionate dedication to his community are exceeded only by his 
devotion to his family. The General and his loving wife of many years, 
Rowana, have one son, Jackson, two daughters, Erica and Trista, and 
eight beautiful grandchildren.
   I have been privileged to work with Marty over these many years. He 
is a man of unsurpassed talent who is guided by a strong moral compass 
and a profound sense of duty. His work has enriched each of us and I am 
doubly fortunate because he is also my friend.
   Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other colleagues 
join me in honoring Major General R. Martin Umbarger for his 
outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to the State of 
Indiana. He has served the state with distinction, and for this he is 
to be commended.

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