[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 191 (Thursday, December 8, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7066-S7067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO MAJOR PATRICK ``RYAN'' ALBAN

  Mr. HAWLEY. Mr. President, today I honor a superb leader, liaison, 
and soldier. After 3 years of Active-Duty service with the Army Office 
of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, MAJ Patrick ``Ryan'' Alban is 
deservedly moving on and transitioning to the Army Reserve. On this 
occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize Major Alban's 
distinguished service and dedication to fostering the relationship 
between the U.S. Army and this Chamber.
  Ryan started his service on the Hill as a legislative liaison in the 
National Guard Bureau, where he was responsible for the Army National 
Guard's military construction portfolio until May 2019. He then served 
as my defense fellow for 12 months where he was instrumental in the 
drafting of legislation and providing policy advice. Following his time 
in my office, Major Alban served for over 2 years in the Army Senate 
Liaison Division, where he was invaluable in informing Senators and 
staff on Army priorities and policy initiatives.
  Over the course of the last 2 years, Major Alban also provided 
support to multiple congressional delegations to locations within the 
United States and to various countries around the world. He became a 
trusted adviser and friend to many of us. He distinguished himself by 
going above and beyond the call of duty to facilitate and successfully 
execute each and every trip, despite any number of weather, aircraft, 
and diplomatic complications.
  Prior to his time on the Hill, Major Alban served our Army and our 
Nation for more than 10 years. He commissioned as an Active-Duty 
infantry officer from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA. He 
began his career as a weapons platoon leader, air operations officer, 
and adjutant in the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort 
Drum, NY. While there, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning home, Ryan transitioned to 
the Missouri National Guard. Soon after, he was mobilized to Ferguson 
in order to protect persons, property, and civil liberties. He was then 
selected to command a rifle company and, later, a headquarters company, 
the former of

[[Page S7067]]

which he led to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
  Major Alban is the epitome of a soldier-scholar. He holds a master of 
laws in national security law from Georgetown University Law Center, a 
juris doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, a master of 
professional studies in legislative affairs from George Washington 
University, and a bachelor of arts in political science from Webster 
University.
  On behalf of Congress and the United States of America, we thank MAJ 
Ryan Alban, his wife, and their son for their continued commitment, 
sacrifice, and contributions to this great Nation. We join our 
colleagues in wishing him future successes as he continues to serve our 
great Army and Nation.

                          ____________________