[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2584-E2585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING PETE GEREN, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE AND ARMY SECRETARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of an extraordinary public servant, Pete Geren, who 
recently stepped down as Secretary of the Army. I am incredibly 
privileged to call Mr. Geren a close friend, and I am so happy to 
celebrate this man's distinguished career and service.
  Mr. Geren hails from Fort Worth, Texas, and after receiving a 
Bachelor's Degree and a Law Degree from the University of Texas, he 
worked as an aide to Senator Lloyd Bentsen. In 1989, he was elected to 
represent the 12th District of Texas in the United States House of 
Representatives and would serve in that capacity for four terms. In 
2001, Mr. Geren took a position with the Department of Defense as 
Special Assistant to the Defense Secretary, and later served brief 
periods as acting Air Force Secretary and Undersecretary of the Army 
before being appointed to Secretary of the Army in 2007.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Geren has worked diligently to represent 
the best interests of the people he serves, including the citizens of 
the 12th District of Texas and the soldiers in our armed forces. When 
he took over

[[Page E2585]]

the position as Secretary of the Army, he was faced with numerous 
challenges that had left the reputation of that organization in low 
esteem. However, through hard work and determination, he has helped to 
repair the Army's standing and has placed it on a positive track for 
the future.
  Madam Speaker, Pete Geren is a dutiful public servant, and I 
encourage all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring 
his achievements in Congress and at the Department of Defense.

                          ____________________