[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 177 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1495-E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING COLONEL ROBERT A. CLIFFORD FOR HIS LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND 
       INDUCTION INTO THE INDIANA MILITARY VETERANS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2018

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I take this time to recognize Colonel Robert A. Clifford, a fellow 
Gary, Indiana native, who has been selected for induction into the 
Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Robert's 
remarkable military career and his outstanding service to our country 
is truly admirable and worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Clifford 
will be honored at an induction ceremony taking place on Friday, 
November 9,

[[Page E1496]]

2018, at the National Guard Armory in Indianapolis.
  Robert Clifford was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. His military 
training began at Pennsylvania Military College. With each passing 
year, the Colonel proved himself to be a leader among his peers, which 
resulted in him being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United 
States Army. Colonel Clifford's career was both outstanding and 
extensive, and throughout his time in the service, he was recognized by 
his commanding officers. In 1967, Robert was ordered to Vietnam as 
Infantry Platoon Leader, 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. 
During his time in Vietnam, he spent 324 consecutive days in combat 
operations. For his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze 
Stars, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
  The Colonel worked in the Indiana National Guard armory as a 
traditional weekend soldier before he returned to active status to work 
with the Indiana National Guard. Entrusted with many responsibilities, 
he served in many capacities including Commander, 13th Engineer 
Battalion; Commander, 138th Signal Battalion; Commander of the State 
Maintenance Program; and 38th Infantry Division General Staff (G3) 
Training and Operations Officer, a role in which he was responsible for 
approximately 12,500 soldiers. During his career, Robert was assigned 
as the Indiana National Guard Engineer and Environmental Officer, 
overseeing all National Guard facilities for maintenance and repair. In 
addition, Colonel Clifford was able to help build five new armories, 
two maintenance shops, the first ammunition supply center, and numerous 
support facilities. At one point in his career, he was one of three 
officers assigned by the Pentagon to start a military to military 
relationship with the newly created country of Slovakia. The successful 
partnership of these two groups is now in its 24th year. Colonel 
Clifford also served as the State of Indiana Public Health and 
Preparedness Director and was tasked with creating a comprehensive 
plan, involving all necessary state organizations, to provide an 
immediate response to weapons of mass destruction. This plan was not 
only implemented; it was made an example of by the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention as a strategy that states should incorporate.
  Throughout the years, Colonel Clifford was bestowed numerous awards 
for his service. He has received the prestigious Legion of Merit Award 
for his truly exceptional efforts and devotion to the Indiana National 
Guard. He was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash and was 
named ``A Hoosier Hero.'' In addition, the Colonel was designated a 
Distinguished Member of the Second Battalion of the 502nd Infantry 
Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. He was among the first five 
ever to receive this honor from his Battalion.
  Robert Clifford's commitment to his career is exceeded only by his 
devotion to his amazing family. Robert and his wonderful wife, Karen, 
have been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Rob (Jill) and 
Scott (Heather), and four beloved grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring Robert Clifford for his lifetime of service to the 
United States military and to the State of Indiana. For his truly 
noteworthy career and his outstanding dedication to serving others, 
Colonel Robert Clifford is worthy of the honors bestowed upon him, and 
we are grateful for all of his many contributions.

                          ____________________