[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)] [Senate] [Page S3515] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL ROGER E. COMBSMr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise to honor and recognize the immeasureable contributions MG Roger E. Combs has made to the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, the National Guard Bureau, his family, and a grateful nation. When people talk about the ``Spirit of America'' and the people who helped make this country great, all one really has to do is mention the name of GEN Roger Combs. General Combs has dedicated his life to serving his country both in the military and as a civilian. His experiences, hard work, and honest counsel have gained him the respect of his peers and his community. Born and raised on a small dairy farm in Stanberry, MO, to Ruby Fern and H.H. Combs, General Combs studied genetics and productive physiology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. While he planned to go into the family business and become a veterinarian, fate and the Vietnam War intervened and he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1968. Graduating with honors from the USMC Basic Officer's Infantry School and selected for the U.S. Army Rotary wing's flight school, General Combs served a combat tour as a CH-46 helicopter pilot from 1969 to 1970 with HMM-364, ``The Purple Foxes'' at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Republic of Vietnam. Flying over 500 combat missions, he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, two single mission air medals, and 37 ``strick/flight awards.'' After returning from active duty in Vietnam, General Combs served in many positions, including as an operations officer and aircraft maintenance officer with HMM-263 at Marine Corps Air Station, Quantico, VA. General Combs' work in Missouri merits special recognition and is the reason I felt compelled to make a statement on his behalf in the Congressional Record. After leaving active duty in 1973, General Combs joined the Missouri Army National Guard and flew UH-1 ``Huey's'' with the 635th Aviation Company, from Whiteman, AFB, MO. He transferred to the Missouri Air National Guard in 1978 and later became the director of intelligence for the 139th Tactical Airlift Group in St. Joseph, MO. Yet it was at the Missouri Air National Guard Headquarters in St. Joseph, MO that General Combs become nationally recognized for his expertise in developing long-range strategic planning. As first a planner, then general officer and member of the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee, General Combs was instrumental in analyzing the future needs of the National Guard and advising senior policy makers on the best course of action. General Combs' footprint extended outside of the military. Upon his return to Missouri after serving in Vietnam, Combs returned to law school at the University of Missouri and upon graduation became a partner in a law firm, a prosecuting attorney, and was elected a judge in 1990. This past December he retired from the bench and returned to being a part time prosecutor and general practitioner. Perhaps the best measure of General Combs' legacy comes from those who have worked along side him. ``Judge Combs,'' as he is affectionately known by his peers and military associates, is an excellent lawyer and military strategist with impeccable character and integrity. The ``Judge'' was effective in both the military and judicial branches in encouraging parties to seek arbitration and dispute resolution instead of litigation. One good friend and colleague recalled that it was not only General ``Judge'' Combs, dry humor which endeared him to his peers but his sincere interest in caring and protecting those who served under him. ``He goes to extraordinary links to ensure they are cared for, ``said one colleague. I cannot conclude these remarks without commending the dedicated and loving support of General Combs' wife, Gloria, and his three children David, Matthew, and Susan. Married almost 35 years ago at Conaway Hall at Andrews Air Force Base, Gloria has remained General Combs' most loyal supporter and confidant. General ``Judge'' Combs has led an extraordinary life in which he has answered his Nation's call to duty and served courageously in war and admirably from the bench. It is my hope and prayer that ``Judge'' Combs will continue to thrive alongside Gloria in whatever endeavor he opts to pursue. If his former, and current, success is any indicator, I am certain that the years ahead will be both fruitful and rewarding. God bless you, ``Judge'' and best wishes. ____________________