[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 45 (Thursday, March 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E587-E588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF GUNNERY SERGEANT DARWIN LEAVELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 31, 2011

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay tribute to Gunnery 
Sergeant Darwin Leavell, United States Marine Corps, on the occasion of 
his transfer from the House liaison office. I, and many other members 
of this chamber, have had the pleasure of working with Gunnery Sergeant 
Darwin Leavell over the past two and a half years during his service 
with Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs and 
as the Congressional Liaison Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the 
U.S.M.C. Liaison Office in the House of Representatives.
  Gunnery Sergeant Leavell distinguished himself through exceptional 
meritorious service while serving as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer 
of Legislative Affairs. Every day he served in direct support of not 
only the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs but in direct 
support of every member of Congress, every Marine and every American. 
His keen abilities in organization, interpersonal relationships, and 
communication were extremely critical to the successful accomplishment 
of the Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs' mission. His 
achievements and ability to get the job done have always been effective 
and noteworthy.

[[Page E588]]

  During his time in the Liaison office, Gunnery Sergeant Leavell was 
able to develop and execute legislative strategy for the United States 
Marine Corps that was instrumental in creating a fiscal and policy 
landscape conducive to training and equipping the nation's most elite 
fighting force, ensuring their success on the battlefield. He routinely 
turned broad guidance into action which energized the Office of 
Legislative Affairs and members of Congress alike. His actions allowed 
the Marine Corps to engage members of Congress and their staffs, 
directly facilitating the increased emphasis on improving Congressional 
relationships.
  While leading the House Liaison Office through the extraordinary 
challenges associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi 
Freedom and the ongoing Global War on Terror, he concurrently ensured 
that a myriad of daily Congressional communications, assignments and 
events were executed flawlessly. During Gunnery Sergeant Leavell's tour 
as the Legislative Affairs Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, he 
accomplished the full spectrum of the Marine Corps' legislative 
mission. He exemplified the candor and knowledge that we have come to 
expect from the Marine Corps and he played a key role in maintaining 
superb relationships between the Marine Corps and the House of 
Representatives.
  Throughout his time here in the House, Gunnery Sergeant Leavell 
effectively responded to several thousand congressional inquiries, many 
of which gained national level attention. Gunnery Sergeant Leavell 
successfully planned, coordinated and escorted over 50 international 
and domestic Congressional and Staff Delegations. His detailed 
coordination with foreign government officials, U.S. State Department, 
and senior military officials ensured that each delegation was 
conducted professionally. His attention to detail and anticipation of 
requirements allowed Representatives to focus on fact-finding and 
gleaning new insights that informed critical decisions to support the 
people of the United States. He has made lasting contributions to the 
House of Representatives. I am proud to have had the opportunity to 
work with Gunnery Sergeant Leavell and I thank him for his devoted 
service to this great nation.

                          ____________________