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“RECOGNIZING CAROLYN CLOSS-WALFORD ON THE OCCASION OF HER PROMOTION TO COLONEL” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1796 on Dec. 5, 2013.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING CAROLYN CLOSS-WALFORD ON THE OCCASION OF HER PROMOTION TO
COLONEL
______
HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Army Lieutenant Colonel Carolyn Closs-Walford who will today be promoted to the rank of Colonel. Like many of my colleagues, I have had the pleasure of working with and knowing LTC Closs-Walford both personally and professionally when she served in the Army's House Liaison Division.
LTC Closs-Walford's distinguished military career began at Winston-
Salem State University when she joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps. She graduated in 1987 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Signal Corps and accepted a position in the Army Reserve. The Signal Corps develops and manages communications systems for the U.S. military and is integral to its strength and resilience.
LTC Closs-Walford completed Signal Officers Basic Course at Fort Gordon in Georgia and settled in Washington, DC. She studied at National Louis University where she received a graduate degree. After, LTC Closs-Walford transferred to the Quartermaster Corps which provides logistic support for the Army.
Later, LTC Closs-Walford served in the Army's busy House Liaison Division where she was the first point of contact for Members and staff who called on the Army for assistance. While there, she developed, coordinated, and executed Congressional Delegations to Iraq, China, Israel, and Sudan, among others. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and hard work did not go unnoticed by Members who were lucky enough to travel with her.
LTC Closs-Walford's extraordinary career afforded her the opportunity to serve in the administrations of President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. She supported the Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor by serving as a liaison to Members of Congress, the Department of Defense, State Department, and the intelligence community by coordinating strategic communications and global outreach.
From the White House, LTC Closs-Walford moved to the Pentagon and worked in the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and focused on women and gender issues, human rights, and international humanitarian policy.
Currently, LTC Closs-Walford serves in the National Guard Bureau's Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate. She is responsible for helping to develop the National Guard's outreach, communications, and messaging.
LTC Closs-Walford was born in Louisburg, North Carolina, located in Franklin County and in my congressional district. She is the youngest of 10 children born to William and Fannie Closs. Her father bravely served the United States in the military during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for his unflinching and valiant service in the face of danger. She is married to Raymond L. Walford.
Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of LTC Closs-Walford's distinguished career. As representative of the congressional district that LTC Closs-
Walford is a native daughter, we salute her on this special day. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking her for honorable service to the United States of America and congratulating her on her much deserved and earned promotion.
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