[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E968-E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COLONEL JAMES W. DeLONY'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2002

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American 
patriot who has committed his entire career to the mission of defending 
America. Colonel James W. DeLony,

[[Page E969]]

United States Army Corps of Engineers, is retiring from duty bringing 
to a close his admirable 29-year military career.
  Colonel DeLony, a 1973 graduate of Texas A&M, spent much of his 
career in the elite Airborne forces including command of the 101st 
Airborne Division's Engineer Battalion and as the Brigade Operations 
Officer of the 20th Airborne Engineer Brigade during the Gulf War. For 
his service, Colonel DeLony has been awarded a number of decorations 
including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service 
Medal (Five Awards), Army Commendation Medal (Two Awards), National 
Defense Service Medal (Two Awards), Saudi Arabia Liberation Medal and 
the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He has also earned the Senior Parachutist 
Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the coveted Ranger Tab.
  In his most recent assignment, Colonel DeLony served as the Commander 
of the Wilmington District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In this 
position, Colonel DeLony battled different foes, from mosquitoes in the 
Cape Fear River to Hurricane Debby as it threatened the Southeast 
coast. He has distinguished himself in this assignment, providing able 
leadership as his command carried out its essential mission of 
enhancing the military and economic capabilities of South-Central 
Virginia and North Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative of the citizens of 
Virginia's 4h District to congratulate Colonel DeLony on his 
magnificent career and to thank him for his long service to America. 
Colonel, we wish you and your wife Jennifer every happiness as you 
begin this new assignment and thank you both for your dedication to 
service and duty.

                          ____________________