Political Quotes

“Mr. President, it is my honor to pay tribute to a great leader and exceptional officer of the U.S. Army, COL Deborah ``Debbie'' J. McDonald, as she retires after nearly 40 years of service to the Army and our Nation. A proud Rhode Islander, Debbie grew up in Newport and graduated from Rogers High School. Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1985, Colonel McDonald commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. She served in a variety of field assignments, including Fort Sill, OK; Fort Devens, MA; Fort Campbell, KY; and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Notably, as the commander of the 104th Medium Truck Company, she deployed as a separate company in support of Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Her company provided long-haul transportation, primarily hauling water, ammunition, and food in support of XVIII Airborne Corps operations in theater. In addition to her bachelor of science degree from West Point, Colonel McDonald holds a master's degree in information management from Oklahoma City University and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida. Her military education includes the Transportation Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Master Fitness Course, the Combined Arms Staff Services School, the Army Inspector General Course, the Army Operations Research and Systems Analysis Course, and the United States Army Command and General Staff College.…”