[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING COMMAND SGT. MAJ. TONIA WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM COOPER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sgt. Maj. 
Tonia Tuwarne Walker on her retirement from the United States Army.
  Tonia is a native of Columbia, S.C., and enlisted in the Army in 
1987. Tonia has served our nation honorably over her long and 
distinguished career spanning numerous assignments, most notably two 
deployments to Iraq. A decorated combat veteran, Tonia earned dozens of 
awards, including a Bronze Star.
  In 2012, Tonia joined the Pentagon as a Congressional Legislative 
Liaison. I was fortunate to have her on my staff as a Department of 
Defense Fellow. Her hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of 
national security affairs assisted me greatly in my role as a senior 
member of the House Armed Services Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, Tonia has dedicated herself to the United States Army 
every day for nearly 30 years. I want to thank Tonia, her husband Ray, 
and their beautiful family for serving our community and country and 
for the many sacrifices they have made. I also want to thank Tonia for 
her friendship, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________