[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1702-S1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL COLLEEN McGUIRE

 Mr. DAINES, Mr. President, I have the honor of recognizing BG 
Colleen McGuire, Retired, of Missoula, MT, for being inducted into the 
U.S. Army Women's Foundation Hall of Fame on March 7, 2019.
  Colleen has stayed true to her Montana roots, spending her childhood 
and collegiate years in Missoula. As a student at the University of 
Montana, she excelled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, ROTC and 
began her distinguished career with the 279th Engineer Company at Fort 
Missoula. Upon graduation, she continued to serve her great country as 
she earned a commission in U.S. Army while serving with the Military 
Police Corps. Her academic achievements continued as she earned a 
master's of arts and science from the Command and Staff College and a 
master's of strategic studies from the Army War College.
  Colleen's highly accomplished journey through the U.S. Army consists 
of a multitude of leaderships roles as exemplified by her command of 
troops. Early in her career, her inspirational leadership skills were 
evident as she led a platoon in Germany and later taking command of the 
Bravo Company within the Law Enforcement Command of Fort Lewis, WA. 
Success in these roles propelled her career, and in 1998 she was hand-
selected to command the 705th Military Police Battalion, Fort 
Leavenworth, KS.
  One notable chapter in Colleen's career came in the fall of 1993, 
when she was assigned as the public affairs officer for Joint Task 
Force-Somalia, In early October, two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters 
were shot down during a covert operation, which launched a 2-day battle 
that later became known as theBattle of Mogadishu. In the months that 
followed, Colleen played a pivotal role in telling the United States' 
story that would later inspire several books and the movie ``Black Hawk 
Down.''
  Perhaps Colleen's most notable achievements came as she shattered 
glass ceilings across the Army. Epitomizing the Montana pioneer spirit, 
she was the first female to assume command of the U.S. Army Criminal 
Investigation Command, CID, serve as the provost marshall General of 
the Army, and take command of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort 
Leavenworth KS. Not only did she command with distinction, but she 
opened the door for aspiring women to follow in her footsteps. It is 
fitting that Colleen should be inducted into the U.S. Army Women's 
Foundation Hall of Fame, and I am pleased that her accomplishments will 
be memorialized as an example for generations to come.
  During her military service, she earned numerous awards. Colleen's

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awards include the following: Legion of Merit with two oak-leaf 
clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 
the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak-leaf clusters, the Joint 
Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three oak-
leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with three oak-leaf clusters, 
the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Senior Parachutist's Badge, and the Army 
Staff Identification Badge.
  After 32 years of dedicated service, Colleen now resides in 
Kalispell, MT. She continues to serve as an inspirational leader in the 
community. On behalf of our grateful Nation, I thank her for her 
courage and selfless dedication to others as a hallmark for generation 
to come.

                          ____________________