Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor a true patriot, and fellow U.S. Marine, Col. Harold R. Van Opdorp. While some know him as ``Odie'' and others as Colonel V, we all know him as Marine. After more than 3 years of service leading the Marine Corps' Office of Legislative Affairs in the U.S. Senate, Colonel Van Opdorp has assumed the responsibilities as commanding officer of the Marine Corps' Officer Candidate School. I would like to recognize Colonel Van Opdorp's distinguished service and dedication to fostering a relationship of mutual benefit between the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Senate. With more than 2 decades of dedicated service to his country, Colonel Van Opdorp has selflessly given to the cause of freedom across the globe, from Somalia to Iran, from Norway to the South Pacific. His service leading young Marines as a platoon, company, and battalion commander, in garrison and in combat, is emblematic of the caliber of his character. His diverse service reflects the traditions of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor that he wears and the nature of the Corps. Over the course of the last 3 years, Colonel Van Opdorp has been instrumental to facilitating the oversight responsibilities of the Senate. Known for his in-depth knowledge of legislative issues and the operational requirements of the Marine Corps, he ensured that Members of the U.S.…”