[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E802-E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF PETER SHUGERT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2007

  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Peter Shugert, Chief 
Public Affairs Officer of the Army Corps of Engineers, who is about to 
retire after more than two decades of dedicated service. Mr. Shugert 
has worked tirelessly, not only to keep area residents informed of 
vital Corps operations, but he has also gone above and beyond the call 
of duty by becoming a treasured liaison during emergencies between 
government agencies and the people of the New York Metropolitan region.
  Mr. Shugert, who earned a reputation as a highly credible 
spokesperson and media representative for the United States Army, began 
his professional career in the military. His service in the Vietnam War 
won him the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation 
Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
  In 1977, Mr. Shugert became Public Affairs Specialist for the 
Military Traffic Management Command in Virginia, and in 1982, made 
important contributions to the Office of the Chief of the Army 
Reserves, where he developed products to increase public awareness.
  In his 20 years as Chief of Public Affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers District of New York Division, Mr. Shugert developed and 
maintained excellent media relations that ensured the best possible 
image for the Army Corps of Engineers. During his service, Mr. Shugert 
faced the tragedy of the 9/11 terror attacks and worked around the 
clock to keep the public informed. His dedication earned him the Locke 
L. Mouton Award for Excellence in Public Affairs, the Crisis 
Communications Award, the Superior Civilian Service Medal, and the 
Civilian Award for Humanitarian Service.

[[Page E803]]

  Mr. Shugert also acted as an important liaison between government 
officials and area residents during the floods that devastated parts of 
New Jersey in 2000. More recently, he was instrumental in disseminating 
information during the difficult removal of the Intrepid Museum from 
Pier 86 in New York, for its reconstruction in Bayonne, New Jersey.
  In addition, Mr. Shugert has offered his unwavering support to the 
Elizabeth River Arthur Kill Watershed Association Earth Day 
Celebration. The event teaches hundreds of students about the 
importance of protecting our environment.
  Please join me in recognizing Peter Shugert for being the most loyal 
of civil servants. I congratulate him and wish him continued success in 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________