[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3] [Senate] [Page 3174] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO CHRISTOPHER K. BRADISH Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, I pay tribute to a very distinguished staffer in my office, Christopher K. Bradish, who serves as my legislative assistant for defense and foreign affairs issues. Recently, the National Guard Association of the United States recognized Christopher's extraordinary work by presenting him with the Patrick Henry Award--the civilian counterpart to the National Guard Association of the United States Distinguished Service Medal. Created in 1989, the Patrick Henry Award provides recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard, or the National Guard Association of the United States. To fully comprehend the magnitude of this honor, it is important to note the criteria for the selection of the Patrick Henry Award. Superior performance of normal duty alone does not justify award of this honor. An individual must have provided exceptionally strong support for the National Guard such that the readiness and the future of the National Guard must have been positively impacted. Christopher has provided a tremendous service to our Nation's military, as the United States continues to wage a war on terrorism in this post-9/11 era. Additionally, he has demonstrated a remarkable amount of enthusiasm for ensuring that the Armed Forces and National Guard have the readiness capabilities to defend our country. The assistance he has provided the National Guard will not be easily matched; however, for Christopher this level of dedication is par for the course. I applaud the National Guard Association of the United States for recognizing Christopher's behind-the-scenes work to increase National Guard funding and champion projects of special interest to the Guard. Christopher also strives to provide the legislative tools necessary to give soldiers and airmen the best support available. He has worked hard on these issues--each time jumping in feet first, soaking up knowledge, and moving legislation forward in this often complicated process. I urge my colleagues to join me today in commending Christopher K. Bradish for his receipt of the Patrick Henry Award and his leadership on behalf of the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard, and the National Guard Association of the United States. ____________________