[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E852-E853] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR ROBERT LIKINS III ______ HON. MAC THORNBERRY of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major Robert Likins III of the Army Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison (OCLL), who will retire from the United States Army on October 1, 2014, after almost 25 years of distinguished service. Major Likins first entered the military as an enlisted infantryman. Looking for challenges [[Page E853]] around every corner, he volunteered, assessed, and was selected to serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 5th Special Forces Group, and the Southern European Task Force. After several years and multiple overseas deployments, Major Likins felt a greater calling of leadership and pursued a commission in the U.S. Army. Major Likins was commissioned as an infantry officer on October 11th, 2001, through Officer Candidate School. As an officer, he served in several leadership positions in light infantry and airborne units across the country and Europe. At the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as a Company Executive Officer in the 173rd Airborne, Major Likins participated in a daring brigade-level parachute assault into Iraq. He then deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served as an operations officer within the 2-503rd Infantry (Airborne). Major Likins then joined the 10th Mountain Division and commanded two different infantry companies. On his second command, Major Likins deployed his company to an austere company outpost in Iraq where he partnered and trained an Iraqi Army battalion. Major Likins was then selected as an Army Congressional Fellow where he served as an integral member of my staff. Finally, he served as the legislative liaison managing the Soldier Systems portfolio, ensuring our troops going into combat are supplied with the best equipment available. Major Likins has truly lived at the tip of the spear throughout his career. From Desert Storm to Haiti, Bosnia to Kosovo, and to Iraq to Afghanistan, he has deployed to almost every place around the globe where the Army has been sent into harm's way. He has also earned two Masters Degrees during his service and has exemplified the warrior- scholar who our nation needs leading our men and women into combat. Throughout his 25 years of service to the nation, Major Likins has earned numerous awards and decorations to include: Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Master Parachutists Wings with combat jump device, Air Assault Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. I am proud to share in the celebration of Major Likins' military career. I would also like to congratulate his wife, Bettina, and his two children, Patrick and Kirsten, whose love and support aided and strengthened Major Likins as he has served our great nation. I wish him all the best in his retirement. ____________________