[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COLONEL TIMOTHY E. HIGGENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel 
Timothy E. Higgens of North Attleboro, Massachusetts on his retirement 
from military service on July 7, 2008 and to recognize his exemplary 35 
years of service to his country. Over his career, Col. Higgens has 
distinguished himself through his exceptional service and leadership 
skills while successfully completing a range of assignments.
  Col. Higgens was educated at the United States Military Academy at 
West Point in New York, where he received his B.S. in Engineering. He 
later went on to earn his M.A. in Counseling from Ball State University 
in Indiana. Throughout this military career, he has maintained his 
civilian occupation as a Quality Assurance Engineer.
  Col. Higgens began his distinguished military career on June 1, 1973. 
He served for five years on active duty and then went on to serve the 
balance of his career in the Army Reserves. He has completed the United 
States Army Ranger School, the United States Army Airborne School and 
the United States Army Infantry School. Col. Higgens has held numerous 
training, operations and command assignments, and his dedication and 
outstanding credentials culminated with his most recent assignment to 
an integral homeland security mission.
  From July 2004 until July 2008, Col. Higgens served as the Chief 
Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for New England. In this 
position, he was the primary leader among a team of senior officers 
from the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard representing 
the six New England states. Over the last four years, Col. Higgens led 
the team's deployment in multiple exercises and real life events. The 
skillful leadership and the many contributions made by Col. Higgens 
have undoubtedly strengthened homeland defense.
  Throughout his military career, Col. Higgens has been supported by 
his loving wife, Evelyn, and his two sons, Ryan and Eric. Now, as he 
begins his retirement from military service, he plans to spend more 
time enjoying his favorite hobby of mountain biking.
  Madam Speaker, in this time of international conflict, we must take 
the time to recognize the courageous sacrifices and innumerable 
contributions of men and women like Col. Higgens who have dedicated 
their lives to serving our country. Their commitment reflects the best 
examples of love of country and we are infinitely grateful for all they 
do. I humbly ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating Col. Timothy E. Higgens on 
his retirement from military service.

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