[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8692-8693]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL STEVEN R. RUDDER

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to honor a true patriot 
and native son of Canton, CT. After more than 3 years of service as the 
legislative assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. 
Steven R. Rudder is deservedly moving up to assume the responsibilities 
of commanding general, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. On this occasion, I 
wish to recognize General Rudder's noble service and dedication to 
fostering the warm relationship between the U.S. Marine Corps and the 
U.S. Senate.
  Commissioned in June of 1984, General Rudder is well-known and 
respected as a true leader and warrior. In addition to serving as a 
weapons and tactics instructor, he has distinguished himself in combat 
and effectively commanded HML/A-167 and Marine Air Group 26.
  Over the last 3 years, General Rudder has been instrumental in 
facilitating the oversight responsibilities of the Senate. Known for 
his comprehensive knowledge of legislative issues and the operational 
requirements of the Marine Corps, he ensured that the Senate Armed 
Services Committee was armed with timely information on Operation 
Enduring Freedom and other forward-

[[Page 8693]]

deployed Marine forces, as well as numerous Marine Corps programs to 
include the Joint Strike Fighter, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, and 
the MV-22 Osprey. Moreover, General Rudder worked to recognize the 
contributions of the Montford Point Marines--the first African 
Americans who entered into service with the Marine Corps during World 
War II--with a Congressional Gold Medal.
  In 2011 I had the unique privilege of being the guest of honor at the 
U.S. Marine Corps Sunset Parade, hosted by General Rudder. It was a 
glorious display of military precision and a truly enjoyable and moving 
event. I join many past and present members of Congress in my gratitude 
and appreciation for General Rudder's outstanding leadership. I invite 
my Senate colleagues to wish him well, along with his wife Holly, as he 
transfers to Okinawa, Japan.

                          ____________________