[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13050]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO SECOND LIEUTENANT VICKI ALTHAGE

 Mr. JOHANNS. Mr. President, today I wish to acknowledge an 
important life milestone for a very patriotic young woman. On September 
10, Officer Candidate Vicki Althage in the Nebraska Army National Guard 
will become 2LT Vicki Althage.
  The Army commissions around 7,500 new officers every year, each and 
every one is a volunteer. Like most of her fellow lieutenants, Vicki 
did not have to follow this path. She has a college degree and a 
burgeoning career in public service. From the time she entered high 
school, the Nation has been at war in our struggle to defeat terrorism.
  Vicki enrolled in the Army National Guard Officer Candidate School 
knowing that she will likely be called upon to serve overseas, perhaps 
in Iraq or Afghanistan. She also knows that upon becoming an officer, 
the welfare and lives of soldiers will become her direct 
responsibility.
  The Nation pays frequent tribute to those who served in World War 
II--we call them the ``greatest generation.'' On September 10, Officer 
Candidate Vicki Althage will take the oath of office and become an Army 
officer in what many today describe as the ``next greatest 
generation.''
  Proud parents, other family members, and a fiance will be on hand to 
witness her commissioning. Another group will also be thinking of her 
on that day. Vicki happens to be a member of my staff in Nebraska. I 
can assure you that the entire Johanns office will be cheering loudly 
and filled with a sense of pride as Vicki accepts this new 
responsibility.
  We hold our heads high when we talk about the strong tradition of 
military service in our great State. Today I am proud to salute this 
outstanding member of my staff and dedicated public servant. May God 
bless 2LT Vicki Althage and her family as she pursues a military career 
in the Nebraska Army National Guard.

                          ____________________