[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 90 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL DEBRA M. LEWIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2000

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Lt. Col. Debra M. 
Lewis, the departing Commander and District Engineer of the 
Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel 
Lewis fills many roles in her life. She is a mother to Emily, wife, 
daughter, sister, equestrian, mentor to many, friend to even more, and 
last, but not least, a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. She brings great 
strength, vitality and dedication to all the facets of her life, but it 
is her allegiance to her country that prompts me to honor her today.
  As Commander of the Philadelphia District of the Army Corps of 
Engineers, she oversees the Delaware River Basin, approximately 13,000 
miles spread across the five states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New 
Jersey, New York and Maryland. More than 550 civilian and military 
personnel dedicate their efforts to carry out Corps projects at the 
request of local and state agencies, as authorized by Congress. Flood 
control, navigation, military installation support and environmental 
restoration are key missions of the Philadelphia District, which is a 
lead partner in the plan to preserve and protect the region and its 
water resources.
  I have also enjoyed working with Colonel Lewis on many occasions. Her 
professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the Army Corps of 
Engineers have been an integral part of the success of the Delaware 
River Main Channel Deepening Project. I have also enjoyed working with 
Colonel Lewis on my vision for Philadelphia--the redevelopment and the 
revitalization of the Delaware River Waterfront. Her support has 
enabled this new project to move forward.
  Colonel Lewis came to the Philadelphia District two years ago 
uniquely qualified to serve as its first female commander. A woman of 
many firsts, Debra Lewis is a member of the first class to graduate 
women from West Point. She was also the U.S. Military Academy's first 
female captain of its highly successful intercollegiate equestrian 
team, and also the 1980 Academy Equestrian of the Year. Her initiative 
and perseverance have seen her through many challenging circumstances.
  In addition to her other pursuits, Colonel Lewis enjoys collecting 
quotations. Her personal motto: Attitude is everything. But I would 
offer one from Harvey Firestone, who once said, ``You get the best out 
of others when you give the best of yourself.'' It is my opinion that 
Lieutenant Colonel Debra M. Lewis is the embodiment of that sentiment.
  Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Debra M. Lewis should be commended 
for her 18 years of military service in the United States Army and is 
congratulated for a job well done for her performance as Commander and 
District Engineer of the Philadelphia District, United States Army 
Corps of Engineers. I offer her my very best wishes for continued 
success.




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