[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING LIEUTENANT COLONEL PHILLIP JAMES DeVRIES II ON HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

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                           HON. BILL HUIZENGA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2021

  Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lieutenant 
Colonel Phillip James DeVries II on his retirement after 28 years of 
honorable service to our Nation. I stand with the people of West 
Michigan in recognizing the tremendous impact Lieutenant Colonel 
DeVries has had on our Nation and abroad.
  Lieutenant Colonel DeVries began his service at West Point, where he 
was commissioned as Second lieutenant Field Artillery Officer. He then 
went on to become a Strategic Plans and Policies Officer in the United 
States Army, where he aided in strategizing and planning the future of 
the Army. Chosen for his dedication to international affairs, he also 
had the honor of attending the NATO Defense College, where he gained 
the experience to participate in multiple international assignments 
involving 22 countries. Lieutenant Colonel DeVries was deployed four 
times throughout his career and faithfully served his country through 
strategic operations and on the ground.
  Lieutenant Colonel Phillip DeVries truly is an American hero, and his 
service will have a lasting effect both nationally and internationally.
  Madam Speaker, it is because of dedicated, honorable individuals such 
as Lieutenant Colonel Phillip James DeVries II that I am incredibly 
proud to serve Michigan's 2nd Congressional District. I join with those 
in West Michigan and around the globe in thanking Lieutenant Colonel 
DeVries for his many years of service and wish him a happy retirement.

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