[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 77 (Friday, May 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING FT. BLISS GARRISON COMMANDER COLONEL JOSEPH SIMONELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Joseph 
Simonelli for his outstanding service to the Army and the nation.
  For the past two years, Colonel Simonelli has served as the garrison 
commander of Fort Bliss. A garrison commander is the Mayor of an Army 
installation with responsibility for everything from potholes to energy 
contracts. It is one of the most challenging positions in the Army, and 
only a few of the most outstanding officers are selected for this top 
command position.
  Colonel Simonelli has lead Fort Bliss at a critical juncture in the 
post's and the Army's history. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he 
provided critical support to soldiers training for combat, while taking 
care of family members. He ensured that the spouses, parents, and 
children of deploying troops, facing so much stress, felt the warm 
embrace of the Army family.
  As Fort Bliss was deploying combat forces, the post was also 
continuing to adjust to the impact of the 2005 BRAC which relocated the 
1st Armored Division to El Paso. Colonel Simonelli oversaw important 
projects including construction of the new Lifestyle Center which is 
now providing upgraded facilities to support military families and has 
become an important hub for the community. Colonel Simonelli worked to 
transform the Lifestyle Center into more than a just place to shop or 
dine; the Lifestyle Center has become the heart of Fort Bliss, open and 
welcoming to all. This new gathering place is a model, not just for the 
military, but for all communities.
  Colonel Simonelli and his staff tackled this and other projects, 
including the designation of Fort Bliss as one of the two Net Zero 
installations, with incredible efficiency and dedication. Colonel 
Simonelli instilled in all an unwavering commitment to supporting 
soldiers and their families.
  As Joe and Bettye Marie move on to the next chapter in their life in 
the Army, I rise to offer my thanks for all that they have done to make 
Fort Bliss a better place to work and live. Their hard work and 
dedication has touched so many lives, and we owe an immeasurable debt 
of gratitude for all that they have done for our soldiers, for our 
community, and for our nation.

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