[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1627-E1628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOHN E. GILLILAND

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
meritorious service of Commander John E. Gilliland, who will retire 
after twenty-three years of dedication to our Nation.
  Commander Gilliland had a long and distinguished career in the United 
States Navy. Upon graduation from Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, he 
received his commission in 1990 through the Naval ROTC program. A 
supply corps officer, he served with great distinction both at sea and 
ashore. At sea, he served as Disbursing, Material and Food Service 
Officer on the USS Jason (AR 8) and Supply Officer on the USS Rushmore 
(LSD 47). Ashore, he served as a Staff Instructor and Educational 
Counselor for the Basic Qualification Course at the Navy Supply Corps 
School and in the Defense Logistics Agency in the Logistics and 
Operations and Readiness Directorate, as well as the Chief of the 
Director of DLA's Staff Group.
  Commander Gilliland is no stranger to the halls and offices of 
Capitol Hill, having spent 10 years in Legislative Affairs. His liaison 
career started in the Navy Legislative Affairs (OLA), office where he 
served the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives on Navy 
Acquisition and procurement policy matters.

[[Page E1628]]

His service culminated with his position as the Director of House 
Affairs and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for House 
Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative 
Affairs (OASD-LA).
  His character, capabilities, and good humor enabled him to interact 
effectively with Members of Congress and their staffs and other 
Executive agencies under the most strenuous circumstances. Commander 
Gilliland's work ultimately led to successful legislative outcomes on a 
wide-range of issues critical to our National Defense to include the 
military draw-down in Iraq, the Afghanistan surge, the establishment of 
Cyber Command, and support for NATO missions in Libya.
  Commander Gilliland represents the epitome of what our military seeks 
in a congressional liaison and officer in uniform our country expects, 
and I am proud and honored to have known him. His dedication to 
service, commitment to excellence, and performance of duty have been 
extraordinary throughout his career. I am proud to share in the 
celebration of Commander Gilliland's career, and I join his colleagues 
in honoring his distinguished military service.
  Commander Gilliland was supported, encouraged, and nurtured by a 
strong and loving family. I would also like to recognize his wife, Amy, 
and their son Patrick. As he goes on to pursue new endeavors and 
challenges, I wish Commander John Gilliland and his family well and ask 
God to bless them.

                          ____________________