[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL LELAND SHEPHERD

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise to recognize Colonel Leland 
``Tony'' Shepherd on his selection as Arkansas Army National Guard's 
6th Land Component commander and his promotion to the rank of brigadier 
general on June 5, 2022.
  On June 12, 2022, General Shepherd will assume command of Arkansas 
Army's eight land power units with a force size of 6,700 personnel 
tasked with operational readiness, training, mobilization, and 
deployments supporting my great State and in defense of an even greater 
Nation. This historical selection makes him the first African-American 
man to hold such a prestigious position and only the second African-
American man to be promoted as a general officer in the history of the 
Arkansas National Guard.
  General Shepherd began his military career in the U.S. Army Reserve 
in Philadelphia, PA, on July 23, 1992. He then transitioned to the 
Arkansas Army National Guard as an enlisted soldier in October 1995 and 
was commissioned to second lieutenant in August 1998. General Shepherd 
has served in several positions over the past 27 years, including 
assignments as a signal officer in the 212th Signal Battalion in Little 
Rock and as part of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Malvern, 
AR. General Shepherd also deployed twice to Iraq where he oversaw Camp 
Victory's post signal capabilities. Prior to this selection for the 6th 
Land Component Command, he served as the State's deputy chief of staff 
G-6 overseeing the planning, strategy, network architecture, and 
implementation of command, control, communications, and networks for 
Army operations.
  General Shepherd received the Order of Mercury, Bronze for the 
highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional 
competence, and selflessness for those who have made significant 
contributions to the U.S. Army Signal Corps. This award reflects his 
superior performance and devotion to duty throughout his entire 
professional career.
  I would like to recognize General Shephard's wife Zandral and 
children Anthony, Ryan Wells, Logan, and Lukas for their sacrifice and 
service. It is their steadfast support of their husband and dad that 
enabled his continued service, ultimately leading to this historic 
promotion. As the son of George and Gwendoline Shepherd of Guyana, 
South America, General Shepherd is the epitome of the American dream 
which is founded on the belief that we all can attain our own version 
of success and achieve prosperity through hard work.
  General Shepherd, congratulations on this new chapter in your career. 
I join my colleagues in the Senate and all Arkansans as we express our 
appreciation for you and your family's continued service to our 
country.

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