[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 167 (Wednesday, November 13, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MAJOR THOMAS E. DICKSON

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute and say a special 
thank you to a truly exceptional U.S. Army officer. MAJ Thomas E. 
Dickson has served admirably as a congressional budget liaison for the 
Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller, 
for the past 2 years. I have come to know Tom personally over this time 
as he has escorted me on countless congressional delegations across the 
globe, to include numerous trips to Ukraine and Israel, doing so with a 
level of skill and professionalism that has left a lasting impression 
on me and my staff.
  Major Dickson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2013 and 
commissioned as a military police officer. Major Dickson's first 
assignment was as a platoon leader with the 230th Military Police 
Company in Sembach, Germany. While stationed in Germany, Major Dickson 
attended the United Nations Military Police Course in Aalborg, Denmark, 
where he trained alongside students from 17 different nations including 
Ukraine, Montenegro, and Rwanda.
  After serving as the executive officer for the 92nd Military Police 
Company, Major Dickson was selected to attend the Marine Corps 
Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA. During his time in 
Quantico, Major Dickson published an article for the U.S. Naval 
Institute and earned honors as a distinguished graduate.
  Next, Major Dickson served in 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) 
out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA. While in 2-2 SBCT, Major Dickson 
graduated the Army's Ranger School in 61 days and served as the brigade 
provost marshal prior to commanding its headquarters and headquarters 
company.
  After command, Major Dickson deployed and attached to 6th Battalion, 
4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 
support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. While in Afghanistan, he 
planned and executed over 50 adviser missions integrated with 
multinational partners.
  As a Congressional Budget Liaison, Major Dickson has been the Army's 
conduit to several congressional offices, including my own, and he has 
built a reputation of trust, respect, and competency. Just mere days 
after the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Major Dickson helped 
quickly stand up and lead a historic bipartisan U.S. Senate 
congressional delegation of five Republicans and five Democrats to 
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. His efforts have been nothing short of 
incredible.
  Major Dickson's extraordinary career is a testament to his hard work 
and unyielding desire to make himself, his organizations, and his 
fellow soldiers the best they can be. Our Nation has been enriched by 
his leadership, thoughtful judgement, and exemplary work. On behalf of 
the State of South Carolina, the U.S. Senate, and a grateful nation, I 
join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Major Dickson on 
his service to our Nation. We wish Tom all the best as he continues his 
journey in the Army.

                          ____________________