[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1323-E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING GARRISON COLONEL MARK NEEDHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2008

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay public 
tribute to Colonel Mark Needham, garrison commander at Fort Knox, 
Kentucky, retiring next month after 26 years of military service.
  Colonel Needham was commissioned in the U.S. Army upon graduation 
from the United States Military Academy in 1982. During his tenure, he 
has completed assignments in Germany, the Balkans, and the United 
States.
  Prior to his current assignment, Colonel Needham attended the 
prestigious Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. He went to 
Carlisle Barracks after having served as an instructor at the Joint 
Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA where he was responsible for 
developing the Campaign Planning and Operational Art Course for the 
Joint Advanced Warfighting School. He also taught Joint and Combined 
Operational Planning to mid-grade officers.
  Earlier in his career, Colonel Needham commanded a tank battalion at 
Fort Knox, training Soldiers and Marines as Armor Crewman and Combat 
Vehicle Mechanics. When he served as a Battalion Operations Officer in 
Europe, he deployed with U.S. Forces into Bosnia as part of the 1st 
Armored Division's Implementation Force mission. He was thereafter 
assigned as a Special Assistant to the Commander of all NATO forces in 
Bosnia.

[[Page E1324]]

  He has held numerous other positions during his military career 
including service as a War Planner and Assistant Secretary to the 
General Staff for the U.S. Army Europe, and an Assistant Professor of 
Chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy.
  As Garrison Commander, Colonel Needham has been a tireless advocate 
for soldiers, their families, and the communities surrounding Fort 
Knox. Taking command shortly after BRAC changes were announced, he has 
overseen the transformation of Fort Knox into its new mission as a 
vital multi-functional home to operational Army forces and various 
administrative commands.
  Colonel Needham has demonstrated an exceptional determination to ease 
transition-related concerns by communicating with incoming personnel, 
citizens, and community leaders at every opportunity. As part of this 
effort, he developed ``BRAC Roadshows,'' informational seminars 
conducted at locations with units that are scheduled to move to Fort 
Knox. He has also worked to transform the Garrison Staff, finalizing 
the organizational structure to ensure that soldiers, their families, 
and the community all receive the support that they need.
  Colonel Needham's awards and decorations include three Defense 
Meritorious Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army 
Commendation Medals, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and a NATO 
Medal.
  It is my great privilege to recognize Colonel Mark Needham today, 
before the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for his lifelong 
example of leadership and service. I would like to thank him personally 
for his exemplary stewardship at Fort Knox during a time of war and 
administrative transition. His unique achievements and dedication to 
the men and women of the U.S. Army make him an outstanding American 
worthy of our collective honor and respect.

                          ____________________