On the recordJuly 14, 2011
This past week, a great American family retired from service to our Nation. Lieutenant General Bob Durbin and his wife, Diana, spent 36 years in service to our country in the United States Army working with soldiers and their families. On behalf of the United States, I want to thank them both for that service. This is also something I can speak to personally. Twenty-five years ago, General Durbin was my instructor in leadership at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He taught me there that it's always right to do the harder thing and not take the easier path. He reminded me that when times get tough, as they are here in America today, that real leaders can make real change. And Diana taught me that families with Christ in their hearts can make real changes in our world. Bob had many assignments during his 36 years in the Army, including command of Kansas' own Big Red One at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was also the first general assigned the daunting task of training the Afghanistan army and police force so that Afghanis may live in peace and security as we do in America. Bob and Diana, thank you for your service to our Nation. There is no higher praise I can give you than to say, ``Job well done.'' ____________________
