[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 81 (Monday, May 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1645-S1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL TREVOR J. BREDENKAMP

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an exceptional 
officer of the U.S. Army, MG Trevor J. Bredenkamp, chief legislative 
liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Army. Major General 
Bredenkamp has faithfully served our Nation for over 31 years. He has 
been a voice of reason and sound professional judgment on countless 
issues of enduring importance to the Army, Congress, and the American 
people. This Nation and the Commonwealth of Kentucky thank Major 
General Bredenkamp as he prepares to leave his current post.
  Born into an Air Force family, Major General Bredenkamp has had a 
strong sense of duty from the outset. In 1992, he received his 
commission as an infantry officer from the U.S. Military Academy at 
West Point. Like so many brave patriots in the aftermath of September 
11, Major General Bredenkamp deployed to combat in Afghanistan and 
Iraq. He served in multiple staff and command positions in the fight to 
defend our freedoms abroad, and would go on to command our country's 
skilled soldiers across the Nation.
  On the home front, Major General Bredenkamp has strengthened 
strategic partnerships between the Army

[[Page S1646]]

and Congress. He has improved relationships with both legislative 
Chambers and buoyed congressional support for Army priorities, 
navigating complicated issues through multiple legislative cycles. As a 
result of his efforts, the Army has accomplished generational 
modernization, led our Nation's response to an unprecedented land war 
in Europe, and enhanced the quality of life of its soldiers, Army 
civilians, and their families.
  Major General Bredenkamp's impressive list of staff and special 
assignments includes platoon leader, scout platoon leader, and 
battalion S-1 in the 3rd Battalion, 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 
82nd Airborne Division; platoon/company/battalion observer/controller 
at the Joint Readiness Training Center; G3 Training Officer, 82nd 
Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, and deployed as part of Operation 
IRAQI FREEDOM; operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute 
Infantry Regiment; operations officer, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd 
Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, and deployed as part of Operation 
ENDURING FREEDOM; aide-de-camp to the commander, US Army Forces Command 
and subsequently the commander, International Security Assistance 
Force, North Atlantic Treaty Organization; deputy director, Soldier for 
Life; executive officer to the Secretary of the Army; and the chief, 
programs division, Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of 
the Secretary of the Army. He has earned numerous military awards and 
decorations for his selfless service to our country. These honors 
include the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, four 
Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendations, 
and five Army Achievement Medals.
  Major General Bredenkamp is fortunate to have the support of his wife 
of 25 years, MG Michele Bredenkamp. They are the proud and loving 
parents of two children. Military families are the backbone of our 
Nation's defense, and we thank the Bredenkamp family for their enduring 
support and for molding the man we recognize today.
  Major General Bredekamp's years of steady leadership and dedication 
to his country remind us of the sacrifice our men and women in uniform 
make on the battlefield and at home each day. Congress and the American 
people thank Major General Bredenkamp and his family for their 
continued commitment and sacrifice to our country. His 31 years of 
service embody the very best traditions of our armed forces: duty, 
honor, and selflessness in defense of our Nation. I join my colleagues 
in wishing Major General Bredenkamp future success as he continues to 
serve.

                          ____________________