[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 99 (Thursday, July 11, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING COLONEL JAMES O. FLY, COMMANDER, ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL JOINT 
                  MANUFACTURING AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 11, 2013

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and pay tribute to 
Colonel James Fly, the outgoing Commander of Rock Island Arsenal Joint 
Manufacturing and Technology Center. As the 46th commander of RIA-JMTC, 
Colonel Fly has served with honor and distinction and he deserves our 
thanks and recognition.
  Since taking command in September 2010, Colonel Fly has led RIA-JMTC 
and its dedicated workforce in building upon the capabilities as the 
Department of Defense's only multi-purpose and vertically integrated 
metal manufacturer while manufacturing high-quality equipment for our 
troops. In addition, Colonel Fly took forward thinking actions to 
ensure that the equipment manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal is not 
only of the highest quality, but also the best deal for the Department 
of Defense and the taxpayer.
  During his tenure, Colonel Fly saw RIA-JMTC designated as a Center of 
Industrial and Technical Excellence in Add-on-Armor development and 
Foundry Operations. These designations made Rock Island Arsenal the 
first arsenal to be designated with three CITES, recognition of the 
depth of its capabilities, forward-thinking management, and highly-
skilled workforce.
  In 2011, enemies on the battlefield found and began to exploit 
vulnerabilities in the armor on Caiman MRAPs, endangering our soldiers 
and requiring immediate action. Under Colonel Fly's leadership, the 
dedicated Rock Island Arsenal workforce redesigned the armor kit, 
produced 504 kits, and installed 22 of those kits in theater within 30 
days. When our soldiers needed them, RIA-JMTC was there.
  On a personal note, I have greatly enjoyed working with Colonel Fly 
and would like to personally thank him for his leadership at Rock 
Island Arsenal. Throughout his time as Commander, Colonel Fly has 
demonstrated a unique passion for his job. He truly cares about the 
details of every process in the factory, taking the time to walk the 
floor and speak personally with the workforce to hear their 
perspective.
  Colonel Fly, his wife, Ella, and their two sons are valued members of 
the Quad Cities community, participating in many community events and 
ensuring a close bond between RIA-JMTC and the Quad Cities. Colonel Fly 
has actively engaged the youth in the community, visiting local schools 
on Veteran's Day to discuss the importance of honoring those who serve. 
Mrs. Fly has served as the chair of the Rock Island Arsenal Welcome 
Club Scholarship and Grant Committee, organizing multiple events to 
help military children attend college. They are integral members of the 
community, appreciated by the entire Quad Cities for their engagement.
  On behalf of all of my constituents, I thank Colonel Fly for his 
dedicated service as Commander of Rock Island Arsenal Joint 
Manufacturing and Technology Center and wish him and his family the 
very best.

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