[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 79 (Monday, June 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING COLONEL GARY JOHNSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 19, 2006

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity that I take 
this opportunity to honor one of the most selfless individuals I have 
ever had the pleasure of working with, Colonel Gary Johnston. Colonel 
Johnston has spent the past 25 years of his life as a member of the 
United States Army Corps of Engineers. Since his arrival as a member of 
the United States Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District in July 
2003, Colonel Johnston's gracious service to the First Congressional 
District of Indiana has touched the lives of many of my constituents. 
For his efforts, and on behalf of my constituents, I take this time to 
thank Colonel Johnston. Colonel Johnston will be recognized for his 
accomplishments at an event taking place on June 30, 2006, at the Union 
League Club of Chicago.
  Colonel Johnston has devoted himself to improving quality of life, 
not only in the United States, but throughout the world. Prior to 
joining the Chicago District, Colonel Johnston served in many 
capacities within the United States Army. After being commissioned into 
the United States Army Corps of Engineers in August 1980 and completing 
the Engineer Officer Basic Course and Ranger School, Colonel Johnston 
served as platoon leader and company executive officer of the 84th 
Engineer Company, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Colonel Johnston has 
also completed assignments with the 588th Combat Engineer Battalion at 
Fort Polk, which included assignments to the National Training Center 
and the Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi, as well 
as deployments to Southwest Asia in Support of Operation Desert Storm 
and to Kuwait for relief efforts. In addition, Colonel Johnston has 
been assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as S-3 and 
executive officer for the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion and as plans 
officer for the 194th Armored Brigade. As if these accomplishments were 
not impressive enough, Colonel Johnston has served as an instructor for 
the Royal School of Military Engineers, British Army, teaching command 
and control topics to Royal engineer and non-commissioned officers. 
Following this assignment, Colonel Johnston returned to Fort Polk, 
where he began his command tour with the 46th Engineer Battalion. This 
tour sent him to Nicaragua and Haiti. In 2000, at his final stop before 
coming to the Chicago District, Colonel Johnston was made Engineer 
Division Chief for the Director of Combat Developments at the Maneuver 
Support Center at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
  Colonel Johnston's educational background is equally impressive. As a 
member of the United States Army, Colonel Johnston completed Airborne 
School, Ranger School, Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, 
Combined Armed Service and Staff School, Command and General Staff 
College, and Air War College. His civilian educational accomplishments 
include a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering from Louisiana Tech 
and Master's Degrees in structural engineering from the University of 
Maryland and in strategic studies from the Air War College. Known as a 
man of integrity and dedication, Colonel Johnston is a recipient of 
several military awards, including the Meritous Service Medal (with 
five oak leaf clusters), the Army Commendation Medal (with one oak leaf 
cluster), the Army Achievement Medal, the Airborne Badge, and the 
Ranger Tab.
  Since joining the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District in July 
2003, Colonel Johnston has been a driving force behind many projects 
aimed at improving the quality of life in the First Congressional 
District. While I hesitate to single out one accomplishment, Colonel 
Johnston has had an immense impact on the preliminary stages of the 
Marquette Plan, which is aimed at reclaiming Lake Michigan's shoreline 
for public accessibility. This project is one of great importance to 
Northwest Indiana residents. In addition, Colonel Johnston has been 
instrumental in two important flood control projects, the Cady Marsh 
Ditch Project and the Little Calumet River Project, which, once 
completed, will protect over 10,000 structures from the dangers of 
flooding.
  Mr. Speaker, Colonel Johnston has given his time and efforts 
selflessly to people throughout Northwest Indiana, the country, and the 
world. His life truly exemplifies selfless service to others, and on 
behalf of the Northwest Indiana community, I respectfully ask that you 
and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Colonel Gary 
Johnston for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First 
Congressional District.

                          ____________________