[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 155 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING SFC DEBRA L. NEWTON, UPON HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an outstanding 
member of the Connecticut National Guard, Sergeant First Class Debra 
Newton. Debbie's service has transcended her title and encompassed a 
range of National Guard responsibilities and volunteer positions 
throughout her more than 35 years of National Guard service. Although 
she has served in multiple capacities as a Public Affairs Officer, 
ultimately as the Chief Public Affairs NCO, Debbie has always strived 
to go beyond her responsibilities and further serve the Guard community 
in Connecticut and beyond.
  Debbie is an accomplished member of the Guard, whose work has been 
recognized by the Department of the Army and the National Guard Bureau. 
Debbie has acted as editor of the national award winning newspaper 
Connecticut Guardian since she created it in 2000. She has served as 
the Federal Women's Program manager and on the Joint Force Headquarters 
of Connecticut Common Task Testing Committee, and the 169th Leadership 
Regiment as the regimental Public Affairs Officer.
  Debbie has been a member of the National Guard Association of 
Connecticut since 1980 and has served on the executive board for 13 of 
the past 15 years as President and Secretary. She is also an active and 
lifetime member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of 
the United States (EANGUS). In both capacities, she provided a regular 
and effective presence in Washington to educate members of the 
Connecticut Congressional Delegation on the priorities of her members 
in Connecticut and around the country.
  Debbie provided critical support to advance the priorities of 
Connecticut's National Guard in Washington and back home in 
Connecticut. Over the years, she was knee-deep with us in the critical 
fights that would determine the future of the Guard in Connecticut, 
including working to oppose the BRAC 2005 recommendation that removed 
A-10s from Connecticut, years of work towards securing a permanent 
flying mission for the 103rd Flying Yankees, advocating for the 
recognition of members of the National Guard as veterans, and promoting 
fairness for dual status military technicians.
  Debbie's experience, commitment, and energy are unmatched. The 
Connecticut National Guard, and all those who serve in the uniform of 
our state and nation, is stronger thanks to her efforts. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in thanking Debbie for her decades of service and 
wish her well in her retirement.

                          ____________________