[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL KAREN A. BERRY

 Mr. COONS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise, along with Senator Tom Carper of Delaware and Representative Lisa 
Blunt Rochester of Delaware, to honor BG Karen A. Berry, a Delawarean 
who has provided exemplary service to the National Guard.
  With more than three decades of distinguished military career service 
dedicated to the National Guard, BG Karen Berry has represented 
Delaware in a variety of leadership capacities, including company 
command of the HHC 280th Signal Battalion and Officer Candidate School, 
193rd Regional Institute, and the 261st Tactical Theater Signal 
Brigade. She completed a yearlong deployment serving as the deputy 
commander of the 335th Signal Command in Afghanistan, acting as the 
senior communications officer and providing essential guidance for the 
communications network theater. Moreover, in 2019, she transferred to 
the Connecticut National Guard, serving in two key leadership 
positions: assistant to the Adjutant General Army and the Director of 
the Joint Staff. There, she oversaw the training and deployments of the 
Connecticut Army National Guard and ensured mission readiness and 
support to State and Partnership Programs between Connecticut and its 
partner Uruguay, a role critical to the success of countless overseas 
missions.
  Brigadier General Berry has built on her extensive experience to lead 
with practical knowledge. Her educational background includes a 
bachelor of science in agricultural engineering and technology from the 
University of Delaware, a master's degree in education from Salisbury 
University, and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. 
Army War College. Her promotions and list of major awards over the 
years are extensive and include National Defense Service Medals, Army 
Commendation Medals, and Delaware National Guard Medals for Military 
Merit, just to name a few.
  Brigadier General Berry is also the first female Army guardsman to 
hold a brigade command in the Delaware Army National Guard, as well as 
the first female in the Delaware Army National Guard promoted to the 
general office rank of brigadier general. Brigadier General Berry has 
opened the door for countless others to follow, serving as an example 
of strong leadership, phenomenal work ethic, and service before self.
  Brigadier General Berry has provided reasoned, invaluable, and 
experienced counsel while serving as chair of my Military Service 
Academy Board since my arrival in the Senate. A hallmark of Brigadier 
General Berry's leadership has been her high regard for the 
servicemembers she leads and their families. Brigadier General Berry 
has also been instrumental in forging enduring relationships with local 
community members and organizations. These bonds will serve the 
Delaware National Guard and Delaware communities well for years to 
come.
  The values of hard work and serving others are second nature to the 
Berry family. Karen, her husband MG Michael Berry, and the entire 
family are known throughout the State of Delaware for their generosity 
and support of education and local community initiatives, sowing seeds 
of success for the future. We are truly grateful for all they have done 
to inspire the next generation of military leaders in Delaware and 
beyond.
  We wholeheartedly congratulate BG Karen Berry on over three decades 
of service in the National Guard. Your strong dedication and leadership 
serve as a phenomenal example for many others. We wish you and your 
family the very best. Thank you.

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