[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TO COMMEND COLONEL JOHN J. STRYCULA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleague, 
Congressman James Moran (VA 8th), to recognize COL John J. Strycula for 
his service to our Nation and his extraordinary leadership as 
Commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Belvoir.
  On July 7, 2010, COL Strycula assumed command of Fort Belvoir, which 
is located in the shadow of the Nation's capital and one of the most 
diverse and complex installations in the United States. In addition to 
the monumental responsibilities of providing support, services, and a 
high level quality of life to service members, their families, and 
related support providers of more than 200,000 people, he was 
immediately immersed into the most complicated Base Realignment and 
Closure mission within the Department of Defense.
  COL Strycula assumed personal stewardship of all aspects of 
realignment under BRAC 2005. To accomplish the many aspects of this 
mission, he oversaw the activities of 150 mission partners on more than 
$4 billion in construction and infrastructure improvement projects 
needed to accommodate the increase of installation population from 
30,000 to 48,000 military and civilian personnel. Belvoir North, Fort 
Belvoir Community Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Complex, the USO Family 
Support Center, expansion of housing units including state of the art 
handicapped-accessible housing, child care centers, roads, bridges, 
fire stations, office buildings, and parking structures are examples of 
projects completed under the careful watch of COL Strycula.
  The ``brick and mortar'' component of BRAC 2005 tells only part of 
the story; as impressive as these accomplishments are, the manner in 
which COL Strycula led the men and women under his command and the 
mission partners demonstrate the depth of his professionalism and 
commitment. His open and engaging command climate encouraged initiative 
and innovation. He has been fully involved in addressing and resolving 
community issues, both in the neighboring community and in the military 
community. COL Strycula successfully formed consensus among the various 
stakeholders on contentious issues, and he established strong 
relationships of mutual respect with elected and executive leaders in 
the local, State, and Federal Governments.
  The first and most important priority for COL Strycula consistently 
has been the care and wellbeing of our soldiers and their families. 
Through his outstanding leadership, vision, and total dedication to 
soldiers, families, and civilians, he has profoundly impacted and 
Unproved the quality of life for all at Fort Belvoir. Serving our 
country in uniform, at home or in harm's way on foreign soil, is the 
highest of callings, and it is our sacred obligation to ensure that our 
military and their families receive the support, protections, respect, 
and services that they have earned.
  Prior to his assignment as Commander of Fort Belvoir, he served in 
numerous capacities including several tours of duty in Operation Desert 
Shield and Operation Desert Storm. COL Strycula stood up and trained 
the Army's first Military Intelligence Interrogation Battalion, which 
he then led in Operation Iraqi Freedom. COL Strycula is a highly 
decorated officer; his awards include the Bronze Star with two oak leaf 
clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, 
the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and 
the Parachutist and Air Assault Badges.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in commending COL John 
J. Strycula for his exceptional leadership of Fort Belvoir through the 
BRAC process, and in thanking him for his years of service to our 
country. COL Strycula's accomplishments and expertise have contributed 
immeasurably to our national defense and security, and he has 
rightfully earned the admiration, respect, and gratitude of all. We 
also extend our sincere appreciation to COL Strycula's wife, Wendy, and 
their 5 children for their support and sacrifices, which have enabled 
COL Strycula to serve with such distinction. COL Strycula will soon be 
deploying to Afghanistan, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and 
his family for his safe return home.

                          ____________________