Joe Donnelly: “I rise today to pay tribute to ADM James Winnefeld, Jr., who is retiring at the end of this month after serving with…”

“I rise today to pay tribute to ADM James Winnefeld, Jr., who is retiring at the end of this month after serving with distinction for more than 37 years, culminating his career as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout his service as a senior military leader, Admiral Winnefeld has provided this body, and in particular the Senate Committee on Armed Services, with valuable testimony and candid military advice. Over the last 4 years, Admiral Winnefeld has served as the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His vast experience, knowledge, outstanding leadership, and professionalism, combined with his deep respect and consideration for our service men and women, will be greatly missed. During his tenure as Vice Chairman, Admiral Winnefeld provided military advice to not only the legislative branch but also to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on a wide range of complex military and national security issues during an extremely challenging period in our country's history. In a challenging fiscal and security environment, Admiral Winnefeld helped to lead our military through global events and threats, to include the Department of Defense's rebalance to the Pacific, Iraq troop withdrawal, Afghanistan transition, the global threat of ISIL, instability in Syria, and Russia's provocative actions in Eastern Europe.…”