[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 162 (Monday, December 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF PAUL A. LEONARDI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 17, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul A. Leonardi 
for his loyalty and commitment to the United States. He exemplifies a 
passion for serving others, and we must commend him for his hard work 
in keeping our country safe. After 28 years of dedicated service to the 
federal government, Paul is retiring to spend more quality time with 
his family.
  In 1973, Paul joined the United States Air Force. He served as a 
Security Specialist and an Air Force Recruiter for over eight years. 
His various assignments in the military enabled him to travel all over 
the United States. Paul was stationed at the Strategic Air Command at 
Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan; the United States Air Forces in Europe Command 
at RAF Alconbury, England; the Air Force Logistics Command at Hill AFB, 
Utah; the Air Training Command as an Air Force Recruiter in Bay City, 
Michigan; and the Strategic Air Command at Minot AFB, North Dakota. 
Paul was honorably discharged in 1981. Paul's time in the Air Force 
prepared him well for his work at Immigration and Naturalization 
Service and the Department of Homeland Security.
  Paul began working for INS in 1992 as an immigration inspector at the 
Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida. He was then 
transferred to Miami as a criminal investigator. Paul worked as a 
criminal investigator for several years before being promoted to the 
Joint Terrorism Task Force after September 11, 2001. A couple months 
later he was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent, and after a year, 
he relocated to Fresno, California.
  In 2003, Paul continued his work as Supervisory Special Agent for 
Homeland Security Investigations, and in 2010, he was promoted to 
Resident Agent in Charge. His vast experience and knowledge made him 
perfect for the job.
  Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that in addition to his countless 
gifts to our country, Paul has been a true champion for my 
constituents. He and his team have always been available to discuss 
issues and work together to make our Central Valley a better place. We 
are all grateful for Paul's unwavering commitment and leadership, but I 
know he will enjoy more time with his wife of 26 years, Barbara, his 
children and grandchildren. I ask my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing the commitment, dedication, and success of Paul Leonardi.

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