[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 18, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4147-S4148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO MARGARET BASS BAINES AND ANTONIO RODOLFO BAINES

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, it is my honor to pay tribute to a 
remarkable team upon their retirement from the Department of the Army. 
The combined service of Mrs. Margaret ``Peggy'' Bass Baines and Mr. 
Antonio Rodolfo Baines spans an astounding 80 years, a testament to 
their unwavering commitment to our Nation.
  Each beginning their careers in the 1980s, Peggy and Antonio 
ultimately completed 20 years of Active military duty in the U.S. Army. 
Both then transitioned seamlessly into civilian roles within the 
Department of the Army and continued to serve with dedication. 
Remarkably, they each added two more decades of devoted service to the 
Army and the Nation.
  Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Margaret Baines exemplified excellence 
during her tenure as both a signal corps officer and a judge advocate. 
Her service was marked by integrity, legal acumen, and a steadfast 
commitment to the Army's mission. Following her retirement from Active 
Duty, Peggy continued her invaluable contributions as the deputy legal 
advisor (Counsel) within the Army Office of the Inspector General. 
Subsequently, she assumed the role of Associate Deputy General Counsel 
for Ethics in the office of the Army General Counsel, further enhancing 
the legal framework that underpins the Army's operations. Peggy ensured 
Army leaders received thoughtful and purpose-built legal advice that 
facilitated effective management of critical Army programs and 
decisions.
  Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Antonio Baines left an indelible mark on 
the Army. As an Active-Duty signal corps officer and force management 
expert, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise. 
Upon transitioning to civil service, Antonio directly contributed to 
congressional support for critical Army modernization priorities during 
his 20 years with the Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison. As 
the Army's senior liaison for intelligence, modernization, and 
equipping, he played a pivotal role advising senior Army leaders and 
shaping legislative outcomes that directly impacted Army programs. 
Antonio's

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mentorship of military officers assigned to the Army's Congressional 
Liaison Office not only improved the Army's ability to interact 
effectively with Congress, but also solidified his legacy within the 
Department of Defense's congressional liaison community.
  It is also important to note and thank those who supported Mrs. and 
Mr. Baines throughout their careers, all of whom can be justifiably 
proud of the accomplishments of these two. This includes Peggy's 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alden and Doris Bass of Fort Wayne, IN, and 
Antonio's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Yolanda Baines of Jonesboro, 
GA. Additionally, Courtney Baines of Charlotte, NC, and Joshua Baines 
of Cambridge, MA, stand as living testaments to their parents' legacy. 
I honor the commitment and service of Peggy and Antonio, and I wish 
them the peaceful and joyful retirement they have earned. Well done.

                          ____________________