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Floor Speech
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Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to GEN Raymond Odierno, one of the greatest commanders of his, or any other, generation of American military leaders.
Ray served the Army and the Nation with great distinction. He attended West Point, and following graduation, he went on to serve nearly 40 years in the Army, retiring as a four-star general.
Ray's service took him around the world, from Germany and Albania to Kuwait and Iraq. He reached the heights of his career as the commander of all coalition forces in Iraq and a tenure as the 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ray was an inspirational force to the men and women he commanded and the leaders he advised. His character, professional skills, and abiding love and respect for those around him made him a preeminent soldier. His steadfast loyalty and commitment to his fellow soldiers and veterans was unwavering.
I was privileged to have worked extensively with Ray. His courageous leadership in so many demanding jobs leaves me with great admiration and gratitude.
We were both West Pointers and both had the privilege of serving in the Army, so we shared many things in common.
I recall first meeting Ray in Iraq when he commanded the 4th Infantry Division. I was immediately struck by his presence, his keen insight, and the mutual and profound respect he shared with his troops. His example of selfless service, dedication to his mission and his soldiers, together with his personal integrity and decency, sustained and inspired all who served with him.
I also had the privilege of working closely with him while he served as Chief of Staff of the Army. He proved an innovative and resourceful leader who continued to focus on soldiers and their families as he maintained an Army on the most robust deployment schedule in our lifetime.
Ray's love for his country was surpassed only by his love of family-- his wonderful wife Linda and their three children; Tony, Katie, and Mike; and their beautiful grandchildren.
I offer the Odierno family my deepest condolences on his passing and thank them for sharing Ray with us for so many years.
The Odierno family's military tradition runs deep and strong. Ray's father was an Army sergeant in World War II. And his son, retired Army Captain Tony Odierno, also graduated from West Point. Tony served with distinction in Iraq before he was wounded there and came home and found other ways to serve. I know that legacy of service will continue and manifest itself in many different ways.
Ray Odierno was a powerful, inspiring person. He dedicated his life's work to serving others, and his was a life well-lived. He will be missed by all who have had the privilege to know him and to serve with him.
I am proud to honor the legacy of GEN Ray Odierno, and I know the Members of the Senate will join me in recognizing the incredible contributions he made for our Nation.
And in words familiar to all West Pointers: And when our work is done, Our course on earth is run, May it be said, ``Well done; be thou at peace.''
GEN Raymond Odierno, well done. Be thou at peace.
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