Congratulating Lieutenant General Robert A. Rasch, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant General Robert A. Rasch, Jr., as he concludes 36 years of exceptional and faithful service to the United States of America.

Throughout his tenure, General Rasch has embodied the spirit of a soldier, inspiring those who have served with and under his leadership.

Born in Germany, where his father was stationed with Army Special Forces, General Rasch's connection to the military began early in life. He graduated from the University of Georgia and followed his father's footsteps, joining the Army as a second lieutenant in 1989.

His military journey also led him to his wife, Shawndell Mann, a fellow soldier he met while in Alaska. Together, they have two accomplished children: Darby, an emergency physician, and Michael, who continues the family legacy as an infantry captain. Their family continues to grow with the expected arrival of their first grandchild in October.

Throughout his career, General Rasch served in various capacities, including key roles within the acquisition and systems automation corps. He led as the project manager for the Army's Integrated Battle Command System and later as the military deputy to the commanding general of the Army Aviation and Missile Command.

In 2017, he earned his first star as a deputy program executive officer at PEO Missiles and Space. His second star came in 2019 when he took over the PEO role. He is credited as a primary driver for the modernization and integration of fires within the Army.

He earned his third and final star in 2022, becoming the director of the Army's Rapid Capability and Critical Technologies Office, more affectionately known as RCCTO.

In this role, he has overseen the rapid prototyping and fielding of several key programs, including the mid-range capability program, Army directed energy systems, and the long-range hypersonic weapon as a first-of-its- kind capability.

General Rasch served in both Desert Storm and the global war on terrorism. Over his 36 years of service, he has earned numerous awards, including the Army's Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He is also a Ranger-qualified soldier, holding the prestigious Ranger Tab.

General Rasch's leadership and mentorship will be missed by many, especially those at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. Those who served with him describe him as exactly the kind of leader that soldiers trust and are willing to follow into battle. This Nation is grateful for his service and is better because of it. We salute General Robert A. Rasch, Jr. U.S. Space Command Headquarters

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Mr. STRONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on an issue of historic importance for our Nation's security and for the people of north Alabama: the decision to base the United States Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

For more than 60 years, our community has been at the heart of the American space story. North Alabama has been at the forefront of innovation, from the rockets that carried our astronauts to the Moon, to the systems that now protect our homeland and our warfighters. We have earned the nickname ``The Rocket City'' because innovation and national defense are in our DNA.

Space Command is charged with ensuring America's superiority in the most demanding, contested domain of the future. To protect the United States, we need a headquarters located where talent, research, and mission readiness intersect. With the support of President Trump, it has been decided that Huntsville is that place.

Redstone Arsenal is a hub for missile defense, with unmatched infrastructure and mission synergy. Our workforce brings together military expertise, leading civilian aerospace professionals, and a pipeline of scientists and engineers. This is not just about geography. It is about capability, efficiency, and effectiveness.

This decision is not about partisan politics. It is about national security. It is about ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have every advantage. We must be the most lethal force this world has ever seen.

Huntsville offers facilities and partnerships needed for immediate mission success and long-term capability to grow and sustain the Command well into the future. North Alabama demonstrates that patriotism, technical excellence, and innovation exist together. North Alabama is ready. America will be stronger because of it. Our time is now.

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