[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 108 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S5004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO COL RHONDA D. SMILLIE

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Col 
Rhonda Smillie of the U.S. Army Reserve who retired in May 2015 with 
more than 32 years of service and who, for the past 2 years, has served 
as a legislative liaison for the chief, Army Reserve. I am grateful for 
her life of service to the Army Reserve and wish her well as she 
transitions into retirement.
  A native of Fort Atkinson, WI, Rhonda was commissioned via the 
Reserve Officer's Training Corps Program at the University of 
Wisconsin-Whitewater, and went on to earn advanced degrees from 
Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, and from the U.S. Army War 
College in Carlisle, PA.
  Currently serving as the legislative liaison for the chief, Army 
Reserve, with responsibility for 19 States, Colonel Smillie travels 
extensively throughout her territory. From Ohio to Washington, from 
North Dakota to Missouri, she conducts education and outreach events 
that ensure community leaders understand the impact of the Army 
Reserve. Her efforts highlight key aspects of the Army Reserve that 
otherwise go unnoticed such as providing medical and dental assistance 
to underserved communities in northern Montana, providing cost 
effective training via Chinook helicopter simulators in Kansas, and 
working to ensure returning soldiers receive necessary support via the 
Yellow Ribbon Program in various States. She has helped to highlight 
the Public Private Partnership and other programs unique to the Army 
Reserve.
  Prior to assignment as a legislative liaison, she served as the 
deputy director, Military Personnel Management, Department of the Army 
Headquarters, G-1. On points of law and policy she was trusted to 
consider the needs of the Army, the Army Reserve, and soldiers and 
families. She expertly assisted in developing personnel policies to 
keep pace with an Army engaged in persistent conflict while 
simultaneously drawing down the force.
  With more than 20 years of Active Duty in support of the Army 
Reserve, Colonel Smillie's distinguished career is marked by tremendous 
accomplishments, impacting across the breadth and depth of the Army. 
Her distinctive leadership in positions demanding the utmost trust and 
responsibility, coupled with her exceptional professionalism and 
selfless service, will have a lasting positive impact on Army personnel 
readiness.
  It is only fair and proper to acknowledge the tireless support of her 
husband, Mr. Douglas Bryan Way, and their son, Truman Douglas Smillie 
Way, as it enabled her to work tirelessly on her assigned duties. Let 
us thank them all for their sacrifices and wish them continued success 
in the future.

                          ____________________