[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17720-17721]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO COLONEL RICHARD ROOT

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, today I recognize the accomplishments 
of Colonel Richard Root, of the U.S. Army, who was recently promoted 
from the rank of lieutenant colonel. Until his recent transfer to the 
highly competitive Senior Service College, Colonel Root worked for more 
than 3 years in the Army's Legislative Affairs Office as a Senate 
liaison officer. I had the pleasure of working with Colonel Root 
frequently during that time, and was therefore proud to be able to join 
my colleague and good friend Senator Corker in hosting his promotion 
ceremony in the Capitol. I would like to extend my sincere 
congratulations to Colonel Root and his family for this well-deserved 
recognition.

[[Page 17721]]

  For more than 21 years, including 3 in combat, Colonel Root has been 
faithfully serving our Nation as a member of the Armed Forces. 
Beginning in 1989, when he was commissioned as a field artillery 
lieutenant, Colonel Root's assignments have taken him around the 
country and the world, including several deployments during Operation 
Desert Storm in 1991 and, more recently, during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. Throughout his more than two decades in the Army, Colonel Root 
has been recognized on a number of occasions for his superior service 
and valor, receiving, among other decorations, the Bronze Star, Purple 
Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, Air Assault Badge, Army Staff Badge, and Combat 
Action Badge.
  Most recently, in his role as a liaison officer to the U.S. Senate, 
Colonel Root once again distinguished himself, developing outstanding 
relationships with Senators and staff members alike. During his 3 years 
of service in the Office of Legislative Affairs, Colonel Root escorted 
40 congressional and staff delegations, accompanying Members to more 
than 50 countries, including active combat theaters.
  I myself travelled with Colonel Root on a number of occasions during 
his time in the Senate, and was always extremely impressed by his close 
attention to detail, flexibility, and unflinching dedication to his 
work. I know many of my colleagues felt the same way, and it is 
therefore no surprise that Colonel Root was often requested by name to 
help assist in the planning and coordination of congressional fact-
finding and oversight delegations.
  And so, once again, it is a great honor to be able to congratulate 
Colonel Root today on this seminal achievement. His unwavering 
commitment to serving his country as a professional soldier in the Army 
is truly laudable, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to him 
for his years of service. Colonel Root, and all of the men and women of 
our Armed Forces, are an indispensable asset to this country, and I 
hope my colleagues will join me today in honoring this top-notch 
soldier and dear friend, and wonderful human being.

                          ____________________