[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E665-E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING MAJOR RUSSELL BARTHOLOW FOR 17 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE 
                             TO OUR COUNTRY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE FLOOD

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Mr. FLOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I want to recognize Major Russell 
Bartholow for his 17 years of service with the Nebraska Army National 
Guard.
  Russell Bartholow joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in 2007, 
motivated to do something for our country and for this world.
  In 2008, he was sent to Afghanistan, where he spent 22 months serving 
as the head of a five-person ``Effects Cell.'' He was responsible for 
developing and conducting civil-military projects in the nine northern 
Afghanistan provinces. His team completed 31 projects, including 
providing innocent children with clothes, food and toys.
  Major Bartholow always went above and beyond what was asked of him. 
When he saw the innocent children, he worked hard to find them a safe 
place to play. He was able to negotiate with Afghan businessmen and 
elders to raise over $200,000 in funding for a park. This park included 
a soccer field, basketball court and merry-go-rounds and provided an 
oasis of hope and safety for the kids affected by war.
  His heart for service and dedication to the children and civilians 
are further seen in his being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his 
coordination of $12 million in funding for roads, schools and clinics.

[[Page E666]]

  After his time in Afghanistan, Bartholow was promoted to Captain. In 
2018, he was promoted to the rank of Major in the Nebraska Army 
National Guard.
  During his years of service, Major Bartholow has also been awarded 
the Combat Action Badge and the Army Achievement Medal.
  Major Russell Bartholow will be retiring in June 2024.
  On behalf of the First District of Nebraska, I thank Major Bartholow 
for his service and extend best wishes on his retirement.

                          ____________________