Farewell Speech to Colonel Douglas Lengenfelder

April 22, 2009 At Ambassador's Residence

Welcome everyone to this very special event.  The retirement of our Defense and Air Attaché after 30 years of honorable military service is a special occasion indeed.  I am very pleased you are here to share it with Doug and his beautiful family.  This afternoon, we celebrate a tremendous career for an excellent officer in the United States Air Force.  We also mark the superb tenure of my defense attaché, who has served with outstanding dedication.  We are saying goodbye to an important member of the US Embassy's leadership team here in Buenos Aires.  

During our two and a half years here in Argentina, Pam and I have come to know Doug and his family well.  They are ever-present at embassy community events, though it's not always easy to spot Doug, because he is a master of disguise…I have witnessed him transform into Uncle Sam for the Fourth of July, the Easter Bunny just a few weeks ago, and he has even become the world's tallest Elf for the Christmas holidays. 

Even more significantly, Doug has demonstrated great leadership in creating a defense attaché team second to none.  Doug has developed a fantastic understanding of our mission.  On innumerable occasions, I have come to trust his advice on military matters.  And by the way, having flown with Doug on many trips around Argentina, I'm pleased to report that he's a great pilot, too. 

Doug, as you head off into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun, I wish you and your family -- Terry, Derek, and Hayley -- the very best on behalf of all of us here at the Embassy.  We hope you have a wonderful trip as you engage in your next endeavor…
    
And from the bottom of our hearts we wish you happiness, best of luck, and safe travels!