Indiana senator salutes Griffin

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., traveled to Little Rock last week to congratulate Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin on his advancement to colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Because of flight delays, Young didn’t arrive in time to speak at Monday’s promotion ceremony. But he got to the state Capitol in time to celebrate the occasion with roughly 300 of Griffin’s family, friends and political allies.

“I just rolled in at the very end,” Young said. “I wanted to get down here and at least be part of this reception and let Tim know that I appreciate him and respect him and he’s deserving of these accolades.”

Young, who moved from the House to the Senate in 2017, served with Griffin, the former 2nd District congressman, from 2011-15.

“He was my best friend in the House. You’re not going to get anybody better than that,” Young said after congratulating his former colleague.

Young, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, subsequently served in the U.S. Marine Corps, eventually obtaining the rank of captain.

“I’ve never traveled to a distant state for a friend’s promotion ceremony before, but Tim Griffin’s a unique sort of leader for whom I was prepared to do that,” Young said.

Also on hand Monday were four members of the all-Republican Arkansas congressional delegation: U.S. Sens. John Boozman of Rogers and Tom Cotton of Dardanelle, and U.S. Reps. French Hill of Little Rock and Bruce Westerman of Hot Springs.

Last year, Griffin graduated from the Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa., earning a master’s degree in strategic studies.

Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansasonline.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s

Washington bureau? It’s available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.

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