[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 140 (Friday, October 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MARINE COLONEL WAYNE J. HALLEM OF FLINT, MI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 28, 2005

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask my 
colleagues to join me in paying tribute to U.S. Marine Colonel Wayne J. 
Hallem of my hometown of Flint, Michigan. Colonel Hallem is receiving a 
promotion to his present rank by Lt. General Michael A. Hough on 
November 2, 2005 at a ceremony at the Pentagon.
  I have known Wayne and his family for many years. He spent his entire 
childhood in Flint, graduating from Flint Southwestern High School and 
Michigan State University, earning a degree in Criminal Justice and a 
commission as a 2nd Lieutenant via the Platoon Leadership Course 
(Combined) in 1983.
  After completing Basic School in Quantico, Colonel Hallem reported to 
MCB Quantico Security Battalion for duty as a Military Police Platoon 
Commander. He then attended Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida 
where he earned his designation as a Naval Aviator. After qualifying as 
a CH-53E pilot, Colonel Hallem reported to HMH-466, where he worked in 
a number of positions. He also made two deployments with the 15th and 
11th Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) and 
participated in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Team Spirit, 
Desert Stay, Eager Mace and Nautical Mantis. His awards include the 
Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with Numeral ``2'', 
Navy Commendation Medal, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, National 
Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean 
Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Outstanding 
Volunteer Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with ``M'' Device 
and several Unit Awards and Expeditionary Medals.
  During his participation in Desert Storm, Colonel Hallem flew 
approximately 60 missions. After serving for 10 months in Desert Storm, 
Colonel Hallem volunteered to remain in the Middle East in order to 
allow married Marines to return to their families. That kind of 
sacrifice represents the spirit of Wayne Hallem and is why I am so 
honored to pay tribute to him today.
  In March of 1993, Colonel Hallem reported to the 4th Marine Aircraft 
Wing in New Orleans where he worked as a pilot and instructor. But more 
importantly, it is here where Wayne met his wife, Denise. They were 
married in New Orleans in October of 1995 and they now have three 
children, Sidney, Jake and David. Colonel Hallem was stationed in Japan 
for several years before being transferred back to Andrew Air Force 
Base in Maryland. He also maintains a career flying commercial aircraft 
for Northwest Airlines. Colonel Hallem's commitment to a strong America 
was evident once again when he was mobilized back into active duty in 
support of the global war on terrorism. Today, Colonel Hallem is the 
Director of the Crisis Response Center, Marine Corps Operations Center, 
the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
  I know that family is very important to Wayne. He is close to his 
parents and his brother, Joe as well as his extended family. He is 
actively involved with all of his children. Whether he is watching 
Sidney play football and soccer, or playing Monopoly with Jake or 
playing catch with David, Wayne cherishes his time with his family. 
Despite his busy schedule, Wayne finds time to stay involved in 
neighborhood activities and go on field trips with his children's 
school.
  Wayne also deeply values his relationship with his friends and 
colleagues. He was always looked upon as a leader in the Marines. In 
fact, many of his Marine friends continue to seek Wayne's counsel when 
they consider career decisions and personal issues. It is a role that 
is well suited for Wayne.
  I have been friends with Wayne's parents for decades, and I know Joan 
and Jim are extremely proud of Wayne's accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Marine Colonel Wayne Hallem on his promotion to the rank of Colonel. 
His dedication and service to our country and his commitment as a 
husband, father and friend serve as an example for all of us. I wish 
Wayne all the best on his future endeavors.

                          ____________________