[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 95 (Monday, June 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING GENERAL RAYMOND T. ODIERNO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 15, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor General 
Raymond T. Odierno, the 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, 
for his extraordinary dedication to duty and service to our Nation. 
After 39 years of distinguished service, General Odierno will retire 
from active military duty in September 2015, leaving behind a legacy 
that will live on for generations to come.
  As co-chairs of the House Army Caucus, Representative Ruppersberger 
and I had the honor of working with General Odierno as he led our Army 
while the Nation fought two wars and deployed or maintained a presence 
in more than 150 locations around the world. All the while, General 
Odierno remained the consummate professional, exemplifying the 
qualities exhibited by all great, transformational leaders: a strong 
sense of duty, honor, courage, character, and commitment to this great 
country.
  General Odierno was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field 
Artillery upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at 
West Point in 1976. He commanded units at every echelon, from platoon 
to theater. He deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and 
DESERT STORM, commanded the 4th Infantry Division during Operation 
IRAQI FREEDOM, and served as the Commanding General of Multi-National 
Corps-Iraq and Multi-National Force-Iraq between 2006 and 2010.
  During his tenure in Iraq, General Odierno was the architect of the 
troop surge that turned the tide of the war; he implemented the 
transition plan to an Iraqi-civilian run effort; and he oversaw the 
largest retrograde operation since the Vietnam War. His success in all 
of these endeavors led to his appointment as the 38th Chief of Staff of 
the U.S. Army in 2011. Since then, General Odierno's leadership and 
commitment to his Soldiers, the Army, and the Nation ensured that the 
U.S. Army remained the most highly trained and professional land force 
the world has ever known.
  General Odierno is an American patriot of the highest caliber. He has 
dedicated his entire life to the security of our Nation, but most 
importantly, he is a man of character. His tireless commitment to 
Soldiers and their Families has never wavered. In his wake stands an 
impeccable organization, full of leaders capable of confronting the 
complex global challenges we face today.
  With profound admiration and deep respect, we pay tribute to him for 
all he has done for our Nation. We thank General Odierno, his wife, 
Linda, and his three children, Tony, Katie, and Mike for their 
dedication and sacrifice. And we wish them all the fullest measure of 
peace and happiness in retirement.

                          ____________________