[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. MIKE CZAJA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to a devoted and compassionate soldier from Paonia, 
Colorado, Army Lt. Col. Mike Czaja. Mike has worked to keep our nation 
safe for over 20 years and I would like to join my colleagues here 
today in recognizing his tremendous service to our country.
   Mike recently returned from service in Iraq where he oversaw the 
Psychological Operations units. These army units were instrumental in 
both reducing casualties during the war and continuing to build support 
for the rebuilding efforts after hostilities had ceased. During the 
war, units under Mike's command successfully deterred many Iraqi 
civilians from waging a fight against coalition forces by dropping 
leaflets that encouraged the opposition forces to defect, desert or 
surrender, out of consideration for the safety of both themselves and 
their families. The literature also encouraged Iraqis to not destroy 
natural resources like oil that would be vital to future economic 
recovery and prosperity.
   After President Bush declared an end to the fighting, Mike and his 
troops focused their efforts on communicating messages that would help 
rebuild Iraq such as information about schools, doctors, and social 
services. With Mike's leadership, American soldiers have begun to earn 
the trust of ordinary Iraqi citizens through face-to-face contact as 
the situation in Iraq gradually edges toward democratization. Mike 
continues to serve in the Army until his retirement in August when he 
will return to the Western Slope of Colorado to pursue a teaching 
position.
   Mr. Speaker, Mike Czaja is a dedicated, selfless American soldier 
who has been crucial to the fight against terrorism in Iraq and has 
aided in securing the safety of America's homeland. His outstanding 
public service to his fellow countryman is setting an important example 
for America's future generations. Mike's enthusiasm and commitment 
certainly deserve the recognition of this body of Congress. Thank you 
for your service Mike, and keep up the good work.

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