[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1180-E1181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING COLONEL VINCENT QUARLES ON HIS COMMAND OF THE CHICAGO DISTRICT 
              OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest admiration that I 
take this opportunity to honor Colonel Vincent Quarles. Colonel Quarles 
has spent the last three years as the District Commander for the United 
States Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District. At this post, Colonel 
Quarles has undertaken immense responsibility, overseeing water 
resources development in the Chicago metropolitan area, an area of 
about 5,000 square miles with a population nearing 8 million. Since his 
arrival at the Chicago District on July 1, 2008, Colonel Quarles has 
served all who live in his District of responsibility with unwavering 
devotion. He has deeply touched many lives and is deserving of our 
sincerest gratitude. On behalf of both myself and my constituents, I 
take this opportunity to thank Colonel Quarles who will be 
relinquishing his command to Colonel Fred Drummond on June 30, 2011, at 
the Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago, Illinois.
  Colonel Vincent Quarles began his impressive military career as a 
Cannon Fire Direction Specialist, Charlie Battery, 113th Field 
Artillery Battalion. Upon graduating from college, Colonel Quarles was 
granted a federal commission in the Corps of Engineers and entered 
active service in 1987. He was assigned to 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st 
Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as a Sapper Platoon 
Leader, an Assault and Obstacle Platoon Leader, and a Company Executive 
Officer. From this post, Colonel Quarles deployed to Operation Desert 
Shield and Operation Desert Storm as the Battalion Maintenance Officer. 
In 2000, Colonel Quarles reported to Engineer Brigade, 3rd Infantry 
Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. From there, he deployed to Bosnia 
Herzegovina as the Brigade Operations Officer in support of 
stabilization operations. Upon his return from Bosnia in 2001, Colonel 
Quarles was reassigned as Executive Officer, 10th Engineer Battalion 
until 2002. Colonel Quarles deployed to Iraq in support of Operation 
Iraqi Freedom in 2003. While overseas, his battalion managed more than 
300 construction contracts at a cost exceeding $326 million as well as 
emplacing and maintaining the brigade's communication network, 
operating the brigade's internment facility, and providing brigade 
organic military intelligence capabilities. Post battalion command, 
Colonel Quarles served as the Mobility Team Chief, Dominant Maneuver 
Division of Force Development, Army G-8 from 2006-2008.
  Colonel Quarles' educational background is very impressive in its own 
right. As a member of the United States Army, Colonel Quarles completed 
both the United States Army Engineer Basic and Advanced Courses. From 
1997-1999, Colonel Quarles taught Civil and Mechanical Engineering at 
the United States Military Academy where he also acted as the 
Department's Executive Officer. Next, he went on to graduate from the 
Command and General Staff College in 2000. His civilian educational 
accomplishments are noteworthy as

[[Page E1181]]

well. He earned both an undergraduate degree from Norfolk State 
University and a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from North 
Carolina State University.
  Colonel Quarles' outstanding military career is exceeded only by his 
devotion to his amazing family. It has been a pleasure to become 
acquainted with the Quarles family. I would also like to congratulate 
Colonel Quarles and his wonderful wife, Auratha, on their upcoming 25th 
wedding anniversary on July 5, 2011. They have two beloved children, 
Vincent and Alisha, who I also have the pleasure of knowing.
  Mr. Speaker, from a very young age, Colonel Quarles has selflessly 
served his country and his fellow Americans. Thus far, his life has 
truly been a model of self-sacrifice and dedication to others. Since 
joining the Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District, Colonel Quarles 
has overseen numerous projects aimed at improving the quality of life 
for all those he serves. He has had an especially profound impact in 
Indiana's First Congressional District. Colonel Quarles has exhibited 
utmost concern for its residents and deserves our sincerest gratitude. 
I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join 
me in honoring Colonel Vincent Quarles for his outstanding 
contributions and constant dedication to Indiana's First Congressional 
District.

                          ____________________