[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING COLONEL JAMES W. DeLONY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take this 
opportunity to honor my friend, Colonel James DeLony, Commander of the 
Wilmington District, United States Army Corps of Engineers.
  After almost 30 years of honorable, distinguished and loyal service 
to his country, Colonel DeLony has decided to move forward and accept 
new challenges as the Director of Public Utilities for Collier County, 
Florida. Collier County is not only getting an accomplished engineer 
but more importantly a true American patriot.
  During his three-year tour in North Carolina, Colonel DeLony was more 
than just my District Commander, he became a dear friend and confidant 
of mine. It was not uncommon for us to talk by phone several times a 
week on things other than civil works projects and water infrastructure 
needs.
  When I review Colonel DeLony's laundry list of achievements from the 
last three years, my heart swells with pride. Working together as a 
team, Colonel DeLony, the Wilmington District, the citizens of North 
Carolina and members of Congress were successful in providing for 
numerous beach nourishment projects, port operations and maintenance, 
environmental restoration projects, navigation projects, and flood 
control projects.
  The Army Corps of Engineers is one of the few government agencies 
that provides tangible benefits for the American public. Without the 
Corps, America's water infrastructure would be non-existent and civil 
works projects would grind to a halt.
  It seems every year, Congress needlessly debates the role of the Army 
Corps of Engineers. There are many in Congress who want to rein-in the 
Corps. I believe these people would change their minds if they had a 
District Commander like Colonel DeLony. Because of people like Colonel 
DeLony, I for one think it would be wise to un-leash to Corps and 
provide them the necessary resources to continue their civil works 
improvements throughout the nation.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel DeLony has dedicated his life to the defense and 
security of this nation. It is with a great deal of pride and respect 
that I bring his career to the attention of this House of 
Representatives. Colonel DeLony has earned the thanks of a grateful 
nation for all of his hard work and on behalf of Eastern North 
Carolina. I thank you for a job well done and wish the very best for 
you and your family.

                          ____________________