[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 164 (Monday, October 31, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER JAMIE R. OTTO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 31, 2011

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
native Iowan Commander Jim Otto of the United States Navy on his 
illustrious 22-year military career that will be coming to a close in 
April of next year.
  Commander Otto began his military career in October 1989, when he 
received his commission after successfully completing Aviation Officer 
Candidate School that summer. Commander Otto's interest in the military 
came to fruition mere months after graduating from Drake University in 
Des Moines, IA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in May 1989. 
He went on to earn his Master's degree in National Security and 
Strategic Studies at the Naval War College in 2000.
  Commander Otto has earned numerous decorations for his service over 
the last two decades including multiple Defense Meritorious Service, 
Air Force Aerial Achievement, and Navy Commendation medals just to name 
a few. Since beginning his career in Iowa, his Naval journey has 
brought him to all corners of the globe, most recently culminating to 
U.S. Strategic Command in Nebraska where he continues serving as the 
Chief, Air and Missile Defense Advocacy Branch.
  Mr. Speaker, our country owes Commander Otto, his wife Shelley, and 
their daughters Sophia and Alexandra a great debt of gratitude for 
their collective decades of service and sacrifice. Commander Otto's 
unwavering commitment to serving his fellow Americans embodies the Iowa 
spirit and I know all of my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives will join me in wishing him a well deserved and 
fulfilling retirement. I wish him the best of luck in his future 
endeavors as he begins this new chapter in his life.

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