[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 79 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL J. DELANEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROBIN HAYES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2004

  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
meritorious service of Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Delaney to our 
Army and our nation. Lieutenant Colonel Delaney will soon complete 23 
years of service and has distinguished himself as an outstanding 
American Soldier I have worked with LTC Delaney during the past several 
years during his time in the Army Office of Legislative Liaison and 
have had the privilege to travel with him. He will retire on August 1, 
2004.
  Most recently, LTC Delaney served as a congressional liaison for the 
United States Army. This position holds great importance as these 
individuals are often the ``voice'' of the Army for Congressional 
Members. I have often asked LTC Delaney for his advice, thoughts, 
opinions or help matters concerning the US Army, and he has always 
provided the highest level of professionalism and service to me. 
Perhaps this assignment was preordained, however, as Lieutenant Colonel 
Delaney's wife, Susan, and mother-in-law, Shirley, both served on the 
staffs of several Senators.
  Over his 23 years of selfless service, Lieutenant Colonel Delaney 
served in many command and staff positions worldwide. As a junior 
officer, he stood at the forefront of freedom during the Cold War in 
Germany and earned his wings as an aviator, qualifying on a variety of 
rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. During Desert Shield and Desert 
Storm, Lieutenant Colonel Delaney commanded an aviation unit based at 
Fort Belvoir. Despite the wide dispersion of his unit throughout the 
combat theater, they were able to successfully accomplish their mission 
due to his exceptional and inspirational leadership. Lieutenant Colonel 
Delaney has since served in a variety of positions of increasing 
responsibility throughout the continental United States.
  Lieutenant Colonel Delaney's work as a legislative liaison and as the 
Chief of the Programs Division enabled the Army to provide this 
Congress the information we need to accomplish our constitutional 
duties. His efforts have been exceptional and noteworthy in working 
with Congress during a critical time as the Army undertook 
Transformation, in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and 
during our current efforts with the Global War on Terrorism. Throughout 
this critical time Lieutenant Colonel Delaney has fostered a personal 
relationship between members of Congress and the United States Army.
  Lieutenant Colonel Delaney represents the epitome of what the Army 
seeks in a congressional liaison and the country expects from our 
officers. His dedication to soldiers, commitment to excellence, and 
performance of duty have been extraordinary throughout his career. As 
he pursues new endeavors and challenges, I wish LTC Mike Delaney well 
and ask God to bless him and his family.

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