[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1914] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF THE HONORABLE G.J. ROARK III UPON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. JEFF MILLER of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, July 23, 2009 Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable G.J. Roark III, a community leader who is retiring after over twenty years as an Escambia County, Florida judge. Judge Roark spent his career serving Northwest Florida and our country, and I am proud to honor his dedication and service. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1969, Judge Roark joined the U.S. Navy as an intelligence officer. He remained on active duty until 1973 and then went on to earn his law degree from the University of Florida in 1976. Judge Roark returned to the Navy as a reservist in 1978 while maintaining his full-time career as an attorney. In 1988, he was appointed County Judge for Escambia, where he has served since. As County Judge, he has served as the Emergency Coordinating Officer and Chair of the Court Emergency Management Group. He was also the Founder and Chair of the Escambia County Court Security Committee and served on the Escambia County Law Library Board. In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Roark continued his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He has operated as a counter-intelligence officer across the world, traveling to Panama, Italy, Bahrain, and Iceland in defense of the U.S. From 1986 through 1995 he was a Naval Criminal Investigative Service Agent. Judge Roark's accomplishments as a reserve officer led to his selection as Commanding Officer of NCIS Unit 2182 in New Orleans and NCIS Unit 2010 in Pensacola. He is also the former Commanding Officer of the Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters Unit 1482 in New Orleans. In 1999, Judge Roark's command was named Unit of the Year for Reserve Intelligence Area 3. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize G.J. Roark for his lifetime of service to Northwest Florida and to the United States. The Florida judicial system will miss this admirable and principled Northwest Florida leader. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for him and his family they embark on this next journey in their lives. ____________________