Mike Rounds, SD
Linked statement
“I am honoring Frank Tedeschi, who recently died. He served in the Army and worked for me as my legislative director and defense adviser. He spent his life helping protect our country.”
“Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and service of Frank Tedeschi, who passed away on July 9, 2026. Frank served as a dedicated soldier, extraordinary public servant, and a true patriot. His contributions to our Nation’s national defense were tremendously significant. While the American public may never know of his accomplishments, our country is safer and stronger because of his commitment, integrity, and tireless work. Frank’s journey of service began in uniform. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an enlisted soldier and an officer. He was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and his outstanding leadership and dedication resulted in his selection for battalion command, an honor reserved for a minority of Army officers who have demonstrated exceptional ability, character, and leadership. Unfortunately, Frank’s Army career was cut short due to medical reasons. But for Frank, leaving military service did not mean leaving the fight. He brought the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to public service when he joined my Senate staff. Frank began his time on my team as a fellow. He quickly distinguished himself and went on to serve as my defense policy adviser and later as my legislative director. In every role, Frank demonstrated an uncommon commitment to getting things right. We called him bulldog. He cared deeply about national security, the Department of Defense, and most importantly, the people of South Dakota. Frank was one of a kind. He was a proud New Yorker, and he carried that personality with him every day. He was direct, blunt, and never one to waste words. He would tell you exactly what he thought--and usually, he was right. But behind that sometimes gruff exterior was a man with a tremendous heart, a great sense of humor, and a deep concern for others. As legislative director, Frank held himself and those around him to the highest standards. He believed public service was a profound responsibility, not merely a job. He rolled up his sleeves, did the hard work, and expected the same commitment from everyone around him. At every opportunity, Frank chose the right path, even when it was the harder path. His integrity was unwavering. Frank’s dedication to our Nation’s security was remarkable. After leaving my office, he continued his service as the congressional and interagency adviser to the 12th and 13th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he continued advocating for our military and helping to make sure Congress had the information needed to make sound decisions. He was the major driving force behind a generational change in the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, which sets military requirements for the future force. Another example of Frank’s myriad impacts as a member of my staff was his work helping defend the Department of Defense’s exclusive use of a critical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This effort was vital to making sure our military retained the capabilities necessary to protect our Nation. It was exactly the type of complex national security challenge where Frank’s expertise, persistence, and commitment made a difference. Frank Tedeschi embodied the very best qualities of a soldier and a public servant. He was loyal, courageous, hard working, and committed to something greater than himself. His loss is deeply felt by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him. To Frank’s family, I extend my deepest condolences and my gratitude for sharing him with our Nation. Frank gave so much of himself in service to others. The United States is better because of his life. My team and I are all better because we had the privilege of knowing him. May God bless Frank Tedeschi, his family, and the United States of America.”
Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and service of Frank Tedeschi, who passed away on July 9, 2026. Frank served as a dedicated soldier, extraordinary public servant, and a true patriot. His contributions to our Nation’s national defense were tremendously significant. While the American public may never know of his accomplishments, our country is safer and stronger because of his commitment, integrity, and tireless work. Frank’s journey of service began in uniform. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an enlisted soldier and an officer. He was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and his outstanding leadership and dedication resulted in his selection for battalion command, an honor reserved for a minority of Army officers who have demonstrated exceptional ability, character, and leadership. Unfortunately, Frank’s Army career was cut short due to medical reasons. But for Frank, leaving military service did not mean leaving the fight. He brought the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to public service when he joined my Senate staff. Frank began his time on my team as a fellow. He quickly distinguished himself and went on to serve as my defense policy adviser and later as my legislative director. In every role, Frank demonstrated an uncommon commitment to getting things right. We called him bulldog. He cared deeply about national security, the Department of Defense, and most importantly, the people of South Dakota. Frank was one of a kind. He was a proud New Yorker, and he carried that personality with him every day. He was direct, blunt, and never one to waste words. He would tell you exactly what he thought--and usually, he was right. But behind that sometimes gruff exterior was a man with a tremendous heart, a great sense of humor, and a deep concern for others. As legislative director, Frank held himself and those around him to the highest standards. He believed public service was a profound responsibility, not merely a job. He rolled up his sleeves, did the hard work, and expected the same commitment from everyone around him. At every opportunity, Frank chose the right path, even when it was the harder path. His integrity was unwavering. Frank’s dedication to our Nation’s security was remarkable. After leaving my office, he continued his service as the congressional and interagency adviser to the 12th and 13th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he continued advocating for our military and helping to make sure Congress had the information needed to make sound decisions. He was the major driving force behind a generational change in the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, which sets military requirements for the future force. Another example of Frank’s myriad impacts as a member of my staff was his work helping defend the Department of Defense’s exclusive use of a critical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This effort was vital to making sure our military retained the capabilities necessary to protect our Nation. It was exactly the type of complex national security challenge where Frank’s expertise, persistence, and commitment made a difference. Frank Tedeschi embodied the very best qualities of a soldier and a public servant. He was loyal, courageous, hard working, and committed to something greater than himself. His loss is deeply felt by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him. To Frank’s family, I extend my deepest condolences and my gratitude for sharing him with our Nation. Frank gave so much of himself in service to others. The United States is better because of his life. My team and I are all better because we had the privilege of knowing him. May God bless Frank Tedeschi, his family, and the United States of America.