Tribute to Colonel Yolanda D. Gore

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the incredible service of Colonel Yolanda D. Gore. COL Gore is preparing to finish her time as the 89th garrison commander of Fort George G. Meade, a role she executed with strength, vision, and principled leadership. Born in Estill, SC, Colonel Gore joined the South Carolina National Guard immediately following her high school graduation. She served for 5 years until her commission in 2002 and subsequently graduated and earned her Army commission from South Carolina State University, SCSU. She earned a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science business and later went on to earn a master of arts in leadership and management from Webster University and a master of arts in strategic studies from the Army War College. Colonel Gore served briefly as a signal officer before discovering her passion in the Adjutant General Corps. She led a diverse career through a variety of assignments, excelled in key leadership roles, and received numerous commendations before becoming the first woman to be installed as garrison commander. Throughout her time as garrison commander, Colonel Gore has taken the role to new heights. She brought modernization to Fort Meade and the surrounding community by implementing a barracks renovation project, helping break ground on a child development center, and reforming physical security across the installation. She cultivated community and culture by expanding veteran and family outreach, extending options for community feedback, and leading major heritage and remembrance events. She has left an indelible mark on Fort Meade through these efforts and many others. I am very grateful for Colonel Gore's commitment to progress and collaboration at every level of government. Fort Meade, the State of Maryland, and our Nation have all greatly benefited from her leadership. Colonel Gore has been married to COL Michael Gore of Loris, SC, for 22 years. They are the proud parents of Shantell, a graduate of East Carolina University, and Morgyn Gore, a senior at Virginia Tech University. Colonel Gore is preparing to complete a remarkable 2-year term spent in the pursuit of excellence, progress, and community. She has dedicated herself to leadership, and I thank her for her commitment. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking Colonel Gore for her incredible service.

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