[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 90 (Monday, July 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1199-E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO COLONEL BRENT SWART

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2002

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement of 
Colonel Brent Swart, the Garrison Commander of the United States Army 
Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. 
His unwavering patriotism and dedication to the armed services is truly 
commendable.
  Colonel Swart's 26 years of meritorious service in the Army represent 
his loyalty to the United States of America. This milestone is one many 
strive for, but few reach. Colonel Swart is a decorated officer and has 
received the Army Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf 
Clusters, the Parachutist Badge and the Army Commendation and the Army 
Achievement medals, both with Oak Leaf Clusters. On July 1, 2002, when 
Colonel Swart retires from 26 years of service, it will truly be a day 
worthy of commendation.
  As the Garrison Commander at AMCOM, it was Colonel Swart's duty to 
allocate the base's operating budget of over $130 million. Under his 
command were 1,649 military, civilian, and contract employees who came 
to

[[Page E1200]]

work each day confident they could put their lives in Colonel Swart's 
hands. Through Colonel Swart's leadership, four separate multi-
functional organizations housed in four separate buildings were 
consolidated under one roof, therefore increasing effectiveness, 
productivity and communications.
  Colonel Swart's guidance has also been instrumental in providing 
community service to North Alabama. Over 40 community and family 
service organizations that enhance the overall quality of life of 
soldiers, civilians, retirees and their families have benefited from 
Swart's leadership. The beneficiaries range from a bowling center that 
received a $750,000 renovation, to a significant upgrading of the Child 
Development Center, to drastic assistance given to the neighborhood 
child rearing center.
  Colonel Stewart also took strides during his tenure at AMCOM to 
advance an environmental program. Swart improved relationships with 
surrounding communities affected by the Redstone Arsenal Environmental 
Restoration Program. Additionally, he spearheaded a ground breaking 
water treatment program which eliminated large quantities of hazardous 
substances from the water.
  Colonel Swart's family is from Clay County, Alabama, the same county 
in which my family has resided for several generations. During his 26 
years of service to the Army, Colonel Swart has made Clay County and 
all of Alabama proud. We thank him for serving our Nation during his 
career in the Army and wish him well in retirement.

                          ____________________