[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 92 (Monday, July 11, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JOHN C. GOETCHIUS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 11, 2005

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the 
outstanding service of Colonel John C. Goetchius, who will retire this 
October after 29 years service while working for the United States Army 
and the Secretary of the Army Legislative Liaison. Colonel John 
Goetchius is a decorated and distinguished soldier.
  Colonel Goetchius began his career as a United States Military 
Academy graduate, Class of 1976, and was immediately selected to lead 
our Nation's sons and daughters. During his career, he has endured the 
hardships of deployments and separation. As one of many testaments to 
his professionalism and accomplishments in defense of our Nation, in 
2002 he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Award for his 
leadership as the Commander of the United States Military Group, EI 
Salvador.
  Most recently, Colonel Goetchius served the soldiers and civilians of 
the Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison (OCLL) in the capacity 
of the Executive Officer to the Chief of Legislative Liaison. Colonel 
Goetchius's last assignment was a capstone of nearly 30 years of 
service to the United States Army. As the Executive Officer Colonel 
Goetchius was the principal assistant to the Chief of Legislative 
Liaison, responsible for the formulation, coordination and execution of 
policies governing the Army's relationship with Congress. He personally 
coordinated the efforts of the seven Division 100 person OCLL 
Organization with wide ranging responsibilities to manage all U.S. Army 
Congressional contacts. Colonel Goetchius played an active role in 
communicating Army requirements, programs and policies to the U.S. 
Congress during a period of historic defense transformation and 
extremely high operational tempo.
  Mr. Speaker, as Colonel John C. Goetchius prepares to retire from the 
Army, I know my colleagues will join me in commending him for his 
outstanding service to our Nation.

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