[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 105 (Thursday, July 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. RODOLFO DIAZ-PONS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 1999

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lt. Col. 
Rodolfo Diaz-Pons, who is retiring after 22 years of military service 
and 4 years at Central Michigan University as a professor and chair of 
the military science department.
  I would like to commend Lt. Col. Diaz-Pons for his service to his 
country and congratulate him on his retirement on August 31. Since 
beginning his career in 1977 after graduating from the U.S. Military 
Academy at West Point in New York, he has served several leadership 
positions in the United States and in Germany.
  While at Fort Carson, CO, Lt. Col. Diaz-Pons held positions as 
commander of an ``A Team'' and served as group plans officer in the 
10th Special Forces Group Airborne. Following his completion of the 
Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he served as rifle and headquarters 
company commander in the 4th Battalion 8th Infantry. During his time in 
Germany, he served as the battalion operations officer to the 1st 
Battalion 39th Infantry.
  Lt. Col. Diaz-Pons entered into service because he wanted to develop 
his leadership abilities. He has achieved this goal. As he begins his 
retirement, he continues to advance his leadership skills and volunteer 
in his community. He will serve as full-time pastor of Riverbend 
Baptist Church in St. Louis, MI, where he was previously serving as 
volunteer pastor.
  On behalf of the residents of the 4th Congressional District of 
Michigan, I would like to recognize Lt. Col. Diaz-Pons today and wish 
him the best as he begins his new journey. His school, community and 
nation are grateful to him.

                          ____________________