[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E943]]
                   IN HONOR OF COLONEL JOHN B. O'DOWD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel John B. 
O'Dowd for his outstanding work and leadership in the New York District 
of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. His tenure as Chief 
Engineer has been one of exceptional work and dedication.
  Colonel O'Dowd assumed command of the New York District of the United 
States Army Corps of Engineers in July 2001. Since his appointment, 
Colonel O'Dowd has brought great leadership, focus, and passion to his 
position. Responsible for the water resource development, navigation, 
and regulatory activities in parts of New Jersey, New York, Vermont, 
Massachusetts, and Connecticut, Colonel O'Dowd has led by example and 
has worked tirelessly to achieve his objective.
  Prior to his position with the Army Corps of Engineers, Colonel 
O'Dowd commanded and served as Executive Officer of the 30th Engineer 
Battalion at Fort Bragg. He also served as Executive Officer for the 
Engineer Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea, and 
was assigned as the Operations Officer for the 20th Engineer Brigade 
during Operation ``Uphold Democracy'' in Haiti.
  For his distinguished work and military service, Colonel O'Dowd has 
received numerous awards and citations, including the Meritorious 
Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal 
with Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed 
Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Master Parachutist Badge.
  Colonel O'Dowd received his bachelor's degree from the United States 
Military Academy at West Point in 1978 and a Master's Degree from John 
Hopkins University in Environmental Engineering in 1989. He is also a 
loving husband to his wife and dedicated father to his three children.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Colonel John B. 
O'Dowd for his outstanding leadership, courage, and service to this 
great country. He will be greatly missed as he leaves the New York 
District of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. It has been an 
honor and a pleasure to have worked with him the last three years and I 
wish him all the best in his new assignment in Afghanistan.

                          ____________________