[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL CHARLES YRIARTE

 Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, on November 4, one of the Oregon 
National Guard's most remarkable military leaders will retire: BG 
Charles Yriarte.
  General Yriarte has served the citizens of Oregon, and the United 
States, in the Oregon National Guard for over 40 years. He joined as a 
private and has held numerous positions, including troop commander, 
battalion commander, brigade commander, and is ending his service as an 
assistant adjutant general.
  Oregonians hold the men and women of our National Guard in high 
regard, and General Yriarte is one example of why. While serving as a 
model citizen soldier, he has raised his children, maintained a 
civilian career as a U.S. Forest Service civil servant and also 
assisted his family with their cattle ranch in Burns, OR. His 
dedication to his family runs deep. When General Yriarte was promoted 
to the rank of Brigadier General, the ceremony was held at St. Charles 
Hospital in Bend, Oregon, so his father, who was undergoing treatment, 
could be present. But, when duty has called, General Yriarte has always 
answered, many times at great sacrifice to himself. Joining the Forest 
Service in 1974 was his dream job, but after the attacks of September 
11, 2001, he took on a number of critical full-time assignments in the 
Oregon National Guard.
  General Yriarte deployed to Iraq shortly after the war commenced and 
was placed in charge of Joint Base Ballad, in an extremely hazardous 
environment, with the duty of making the base functional for U.S. and 
allied soldiers. General Yriarte worked to improve relations with local 
leaders to lessen the daily mortar attacks and reduce the threat to his 
soldiers and the base in the early stages of the war. This outreach was 
a tremendous success and led to a strong relationship and enduring 
friendship with many of the local community leaders. His tireless 
effort to secure the base ensured the safety of several thousand 
servicemembers on base and reduced the attacks and violence outside the 
perimeter. General Yriarte accomplished this mission in spectacular 
fashion and he successfully returned his unit to Oregon with no 
casualties.
  In each command, the units under him excelled in every way. His 
mentorship of young officers and noncommissioned officers has been 
truly exceptional. The soldiers that he has taught are now serving in 
the most important positions in the Oregon National Guard. These 
soldiers will have positive impacts on the institution for decades to 
come. General Yriarte's legacy will be lasting and profound within the 
Oregon National Guard.
  To understand General Yriarte's ability to inspire, here is what he 
said during his unit's homecoming event:

       Every person in this room has sacrificed. I wouldn't be 
     here today without your sacrifices. You did this country 
     great, and I applaud you. This room is filled with heroes 
     both past and present. I went to Iraq because I love my 
     country. I found out that the Iraqis are good people and like 
     everyone are looking for safety for themselves and their 
     families. I already knew, but it was proven that American 
     soldiers never quit. They do their job. You are this nation's 
     greatest generation, and you became leaders when you came 
     home. Our soldiers are doing that now. Our nation is great, 
     we remain great. . . .

  These words also say an enormous amount about him.
  So, if I can use the general's own words, let me say that general, 
you have sacrificed. Your country is better because of your many 
sacrifices. You have done your State and Nation proud. You are a giant 
to all you have touched and your love of home and country are an 
inspiration. You have protected everyone in your charge. You have 
always given your best. Our Nation will remain great because we have 
men and women like you in every generation. Like the great military 
leaders before you, your words and action will positively influence our 
Nation far into the future.
  Therefore, it is my honor and great privilege to commend BG Charles 
Yriarte, assistant adjutant general, Oregon National Guard, for his 
more than 40 years of service to our country. Mr. President, today, I 
join my fellow Oregonians in recognition and celebration of the great 
achievements of Brigadier General Yriarte, as he begins this new 
chapter in his life with his beloved wife Christine.

                          ____________________