[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL YOLANDA D. GORE

 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
incredible service of Colonel Yolanda D. Gore. COL Gore is preparing to 
finish her time as the 89th garrison commander of Fort George G. Meade, 
a role she executed with strength, vision, and principled leadership.
  Born in Estill, SC, Colonel Gore joined the South Carolina National 
Guard immediately following her high school graduation. She served for 
5 years until her commission in 2002 and subsequently graduated and 
earned her Army commission from South Carolina State University, SCSU. 
She earned a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science business 
and later went on to earn a master of arts in leadership and management 
from Webster University and a master of arts in strategic studies from 
the Army War College.
  Colonel Gore served briefly as a signal officer before discovering 
her passion in the Adjutant General Corps. She led a diverse career 
through a variety of assignments, excelled in key leadership roles, and 
received numerous commendations before becoming the first woman to be 
installed as garrison commander.
  Throughout her time as garrison commander, Colonel Gore has taken the 
role to new heights. She brought modernization to Fort Meade and the 
surrounding community by implementing a barracks renovation project, 
helping break ground on a child development center, and reforming 
physical security across the installation. She cultivated community and 
culture by expanding veteran and family outreach, extending options for 
community feedback, and leading major heritage and remembrance events. 
She has left an indelible mark on Fort Meade through these efforts and 
many others.
  I am very grateful for Colonel Gore's commitment to progress and 
collaboration at every level of government. Fort Meade, the State of 
Maryland, and our Nation have all greatly benefited from her 
leadership.
  Colonel Gore has been married to COL Michael Gore of Loris, SC, for 
22 years. They are the proud parents of Shantell, a graduate of East 
Carolina University, and Morgyn Gore, a senior at Virginia Tech 
University.
  Colonel Gore is preparing to complete a remarkable 2-year term spent 
in the pursuit of excellence, progress, and community. She has 
dedicated herself to leadership, and I thank her for her commitment. I 
invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Colonel Gore for her 
incredible service.

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