[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING COLONEL STEVEN SMITH'S SERVICE TO FORT HAMILTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Colonel 
Steven V. Smith, Installation Commander, at Fort Hamilton, located in 
my district of Brooklyn, New York. Fort Hamilton is the only active 
military base in New York City. Colonel Smith is leaving his post as 
Installation Commander to return to his alma mater, Norwich University 
in Northfield, Vermont to prepare the next generation of graduates and 
officers for the United States Military.
  In 1984, Colonel Stephen V. Smith graduated from Norwich University 
where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business 
Administration. Upon graduating, he was commissioned a Second 
Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. He went on to pursue a Master of 
Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master's of 
Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
  Colonel Smith started his career at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he 
was a Rifle Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Mortar Platoon 
Leader, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry.
  During his distinguished career, Colonel Smith was deployed to Bosnia 
as the 10th Mountain G4 Plans Officer. He also served as Executive 
Officer of the 10th Division Support Command, and the G4 (Logistics 
Officer) for the 10th Mountain Division where he was deployed in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.
  In June of 2008, Colonel Smith became, Installation Commander at Fort 
Hamilton, Brooklyn, New York. During his time at his final Military 
assignment, he was instrumental in providing a location for a second 
National Guard Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) which 
gave New York City's first responders a vital resource to utilize in 
the event of a terrorist attack.
  Colonel Smith's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, 
the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), 
the Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), the Army 
Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Korean 
Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service and 
Overseas Ribbons, NATO Medal, Air Assault and Airborne badges and the 
Ranger Tab.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Colonel 
Smith for his service to New York City and the Fort Hamilton Community. 
Besides being an active base in America's largest city, Fort Hamilton 
is also a community treasure for the neighborhoods and people of South 
Brooklyn. Under Colonel Smith's leadership many community organizations 
have been able to utilize the wonderful resources of this historic base 
and he has fostered a strong sprit of patriotism in support of our men 
and women in uniform throughout the broader community.
  He has worked to upgrade housing on the base for active duty Members 
as well as rehabilitate the historic officers clubhouse which is a 
resource for not only the base but for many community organizations.
  Colonel Smith truly represents the best and the brightest of the 
United States Army and he will continue to serve this Country with 
honors. I wish Colonel Smith, his wife Donna, daughters Elizabeth and 
Colleen and son Matthew the best of luck in his next pursuit. The 
students and faculty of Norwich University are incredibly lucky to gain 
the talent, dedication and leadership of my friend Colonel Stephen 
Smith.

                          ____________________