[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 5 (Thursday, January 9, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING COLONEL ROBERT BARTRAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 9, 2025

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
Colonel Robert Bartran's service, career, and accomplishments. For over 
36 years, he served selflessly in the Mississippi Army National Guard.
  After earning his commission in 1995 from the Officer's Candidate 
Course, he began a long and distinguished career. He holds an 
associate's degree from Hinds Community College, a bachelors degree 
from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a masters degree from 
Liberty University. His military education includes Basic Training, the 
Engineer Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General 
Staff Officer Course, and many other military and civilian law 
enforcement schools, as well as courses in transportation, human 
resources, maintenance, and leadership.
  He served at the platoon, company, battalion, major subordinate 
command, and state levels. Throughout his distinguished service, 
Colonel Bartran exhibited extraordinary vision, unwavering 
professionalism, dynamic leadership, and deep compassion. He served 
across the United States and around the world, including in Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba, and Afghanistan. His years of experience and training in law 
enforcement, border security, and criminal justice made him an 
invaluable asset to counterterrorism, counter-narcotics initiatives, 
and counterinsurgency operations. His exceptional management skills and 
profound concern for the well-being of all soldiers culminated in his 
role as the Director of the Mississippi National Guard Counterdrug 
Program.
  Colonel Bartran's distinguished career is marked by his numerous 
awards and decorations, a testament to his exceptional service. Among 
his accolades are the Bronze Star Medal, seven Meritorious Service 
Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, the Iraq Campaign and 
Afghanistan Campaign Medals, the Humanitarian Medal, and the Air 
Assault Badge, along with numerous other federal and state awards. 
These honors reflect his dedication and commitment to his duty, 
inspiring pride and honor in all who have served alongside him, 
including myself.
  His commitment to his family, his service to our country, and his 
contributions to Mississippi are testaments to his character. Colonel 
Bartran is a true American hero, a proud Mississippian Guardsman, and a 
man for whom we are immensely grateful.

                          ____________________