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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E830-E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING COLONEL AARON W. REISINGER
______
HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 11, 2020
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to
honor Colonel Aaron W. Reisinger, Commander and District Engineer of
the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)--Chicago District.
Throughout his command, Colonel Reisinger's dedication and steadfast
leadership has proven worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Reisinger
will relinquish his command to Colonel Paul B. Culberson at a change of
command ceremony on September 18, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.
In 1994, Colonel Reisinger graduated from the United States Military
Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. He went on to earn a
master's degree in engineer management from the University of Missouri
at Rolla
[[Page E831]]
and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University. In
addition, he is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval War
College where he earned a master's degree in National Security and
Strategic Studies.
Colonel Reisinger's lifetime of service to the United States Army and
to the citizens of our great country is to be highly commended. The
Colonel served as a platoon leader and executive officer in the 14th
Engineer Battalion from 1994 to 1998. From 2000 to 2002, he was a
company commander in the 299th Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas.
Later, from 2012 to 2014, Colonel Reisinger commanded the 84th Engineer
Battalion at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In addition, he has served as
a trainer at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, an
action officer for the Joint Staff, Plans and Strategy within the
Deputy Directorate for the War on Terrorism, as military transition
team chief within an Iraqi infantry battalion, operations officer in
the 65th Engineer Battalion and 130th Engineer Brigade, and chief of
operations for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. He also completed
two combat deployments to Iraq and one operational deployment in the
South Pacific.
For his distinguished service, Colonel Reisinger is the recipient of
two Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint
Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, one Joint
Service Achievement Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious
Unit Commendation, and multiple Iraq campaign stars.
Colonel Reisinger assumed command of the USACE-Chicago District in
2017. During his time as District Commander in Chicago, his leadership
has played an integral role in the agency's accomplishments, most
notably in Northwest Indiana. In partnership with local municipalities,
the USACE implemented more than $14 million in stormwater and sanitary
sewer infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality
throughout the region and ultimately improve the quality of life and
place in these communities. Colonel Reisinger's command saw the
completion of the Little Calumet River Flood Control and Recreation
Project, protecting residents from the devastating effects of flooding
and providing the opportunity for increased economic development.
Dredging continues within the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal to remove
contaminated sediment and to restore its navigable depth, benefitting
local industry as the improvements within the canal allow industrial
users to increase efficacy in shipping along the Great Lakes.
As our country continues to grapple with the uncertainty and strain
of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would be remiss for not praising Colonel
Reisinger for his dedicated effort this spring to coordinate the large-
scale operation to convert Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center
into an alternative care facility.
Finally, I would like to offer my deep appreciation for his efforts,
alongside officials at the Division and HQ, to successfully complete
the realignment and expansion of Chicago District in the last few
months, ensuring continued mission stability and the long-term
partnership between the Corps and our local communities. These projects
and others stand testament to Colonel Reisinger's commitment to the
USACE's mission to work with its partners to energize the nation's
economy through its civil works projects and to respond to the toughest
challenges. I am grateful for his generosity of spirit, his meticulous
work ethic, and his dedicated life of service.
Madam Speaker, Colonel Reisinger has selflessly served his country
and his fellow Americans, and he has been unwavering in his leadership
and commitment to our great country. I respectfully ask that you and my
other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Colonel Aaron W.
Reisinger for his exceptional service to the United States and for his
outstanding command of the United States Army Corps of Engineers--
Chicago District.
____________________