A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR LIEUTENANT COLONEL TODD J. HARKRADER, BATTALION COMMANDER FOR HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS BATTALION, UNITED STATES ARMY CENTRAL AT SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND THE PALMETTO STATE; TO THANK HIM FOR HIS SACRIFICES IN DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY; AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AS HE BEGINS A NEW ASSIGNMENT AND CONTINUES HIS ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives has learned that on May 25, 2023, Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Harkrader will be leaving his position as battalion commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, United States Army Central (Third Army) at Shaw Air Force Base; and

 

Whereas, over the course of a distinguished career, aside from his present assignment in South Carolina, Lieutenant Colonel Harkrader has served in Schweinfurt, Germany; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Wiesbaden, Germany; Fort Benning, Georgia; and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. In addition, he has completed four combat deployments, including Balad, Iraq; Ramadi, Iraq; and Gardez, Afghanistan, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Resolute Support (NATO), and Freedom's Sentinel; and

 

Whereas, since May 2021, Lieutenant Colonel Harkrader has distinguished himself through resilient leadership and selfless service as commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), United States Army Central (USARCENT), Shaw Air Force Base. He has exhibited professionalism, uncompromising standards, dedication to soldiers and families, and synchronization of operations internally and externally across the USARCENT staff and subordinate units while supporting ongoing COVID-19 mitigation requirements, the Afghan evacuation of military personnel, and Operation Allies Refuge. As commander of HHBN, he has excelled in one of the most demanding positions within USARCENT during a time of transitional regional priorities, frequent change, and limited resources. Under his leadership, HHBN has become ready to provide the ARCENT commanding general with flexible options for future employment in multi-domain large-scale combat operations; and

 

Whereas, in preparation for his career, this Virginia native earned an ROTC scholarship to Radford University, graduating summa cum laude and being commissioned into the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps in 2003. Since then, he also has completed many military courses, culminating in a master's degree in strategic intelligence (National Intelligence University, Defense Intelligence Agency). Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Bronze Star (2 OLC), Meritorious Service Medals (2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4 OLC), and the Army Achievement Medal. He is also the recipient of the Military Intelligence Corps Association's Knowlton Award; and

 

Whereas, the House is grateful for Lieutenant Colonel Harkrader's committed service, which epitomizes the caring leader with a warrior spirit. His energy and many outstanding contributions, along with a devotion to duty and strong love for this country and the soldiers who protect it, will have an enduring impact on USARCENT well into the future. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Harkrader, battalion commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, United States Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base, for his outstanding service to the United States Army and the Palmetto State; thank him for his sacrifices in defending our country; and wish him much success as he begins a new assignment and continues his illustrious career.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Colonel Todd J. Harkrader.

----XX----