María Elvira Salazar: “I rise to praise the memory of Army COL Brian Dwayne Allgood of the 30th Medical Brigade, European Regional Medical…”

“I rise to praise the memory of Army COL Brian Dwayne Allgood of the 30th Medical Brigade, European Regional Medical Command. Colonel Allgood was taken from his family late last month in Iraq. He was only 46 years old, and the highest ranking medical officer in Iraq. After graduating high school in Colorado Springs, Brian Allgood attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point and medical school at the University of Oklahoma. He completed his residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and continued with his military career, rising to become one of the Army's top surgeons. Most recently, before being sent to Iraq, Colonel Allgood spent 2 years as the commanding officer of medical facilities in Korea. It is no surprise that Brian Allgood rose to such great heights. Brian came from a medical family and a military family--Brian's father Jerry was an Army hospital administrator like his son, and Brian's mother Cleo was a nurse. One might say that service, both to his country and to those in need, was in his blood. Brian Allgood was a healer, a quiet and humble man who knew the best way to lead was not through anger or boastfulness. Instead, he simply did what needed to be done, helping save and improve lives every day, and in doing so led by example. Colonel Allgood acted not only with courage but with concern for the troops he led. He was renowned for his willingness to stick his neck out for his troops and for his unique bond with them.”