[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23160]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. THOMAS J. STAPLETON

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to pay special tribute to an outstanding soldier who has 
distinguished himself in his service to the United States Senate and 
the Nation as a United States Army Fellow. Lt. Col. Thomas Stapleton's 
fellowship officially ends upon the adjournment of this session and 
before he leaves, I wish to extend my most sincere thanks and 
appreciation for his exemplary service to myself, the citizens of 
Missouri and our great nation.
  Lt. Col. Stapleton is a seasoned military leader with over 17 years 
of tactical, budget and acquisition experience that have been a 
tremendous contribution to my office. Lt. Colonel Stapleton served his 
nation in Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm 
from 1989-1991. He is a Distinguished Military Graduate from Canisius 
College, Buffalo, New York, holds a Master of Business Administration 
from Rochester Institute of Technology and attended Georgetown 
University's Government Affairs Institute.
  Throughout his career, Lt. Colonel Stapleton's level of commitment 
and service have been evident in his various decorations and awards 
including the Bronze Star which he was awarded for exceptional service 
in Operation Desert Storm. Lt. Colonel Stapleton has proven his 
abilities and has consistently performed above and beyond the call of 
duty.
  During his tour as a military fellow, Tom fulfilled crucial functions 
and carried out critical assignments within my office. His budgetary 
experience as an Army comptroller served him well in resolving numerous 
defense appropriations issues. His tactical experience was an 
invaluable resource as evidenced by the many dependable information 
briefs I received after the devastating attacks of 9-11. These 
attributes further served Tom as he traveled the roads of Missouri on 
my behalf meeting with veterans, military service-members and 
constituents at various installations, veteran's facilities and town 
hall meetings. In addition, I relied heavily on Lt. Colonel Stapleton's 
strong volley and solid serve in crushing two of my distinguished 
colleagues, Senator Stevens and Senator Warner, on the tennis court.
  Lt. Colonel Stapleton is not just a soldier but a devoted husband and 
committed father of three children. Whether he was coaching soccer with 
his son, enjoying family vacations or throwing a birthday party for his 
children, Tom consistently made time for his family throughout his very 
demanding tour as a fellow. Anyone familiar with Lt. Colonel 
Stapleton's numerous achievements, awards and much deserved 
commendations knows that Tom's top priority is to be a dedicated family 
man. Tom embodies the values that we as Americans all hold dear. His 
commitment to family and country set the standard for a professional 
soldier and solid role model.
  The Military Congressional Fellows programs affords members of 
Congress with a critical military perspective coupled with invaluable 
service and professionalism. The tremendous reputation and success of 
this program are a direct reflection of Fellows like Lt. Colonel 
Stapleton. Tom has distinguished himself as a member of my staff and my 
defense team. On behalf of the citizens of Missouri and a grateful 
Nation, we wish Lt. Col. Thomas Stapleton, his wife Anne, and three 
children Toni, Carly and Jack the best as he continues his 
distinguished career.

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