[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1175]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL KEIL GENTRY, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 2013

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a fellow Marine, 
Colonel Keil Gentry. After more than two years of service as the Marine 
Corps' Deputy Legislative Assistant to the Commandant, Keil will be 
assuming responsibilities as the Director of the Marine Corps War 
College. On this occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize Colonel 
Gentry's distinguished service and dedication to fostering the warm 
relationship between the United States Marine Corps and the Congress.
  With over two decades of dedicated service to his country, Colonel 
Gentry has distinguished himself serving the cause of freedom across 
the globe. His service leading young Marines as a Battery, Battalion, 
and Regimental Commander, in garrison and in combat, is emblematic of 
the caliber of his character.
  Over the course of the last two years, Colonel Gentry has been 
instrumental to ensuring the Marine Corps' story is heard on the Hill. 
Known for his in-depth knowledge of legislative issues, personal 
warmth, and an ability to skillfully navigate Headquarters Marine 
Corps, Colonel Gentry worked long hours and through major surgery to 
ensure that Congress was armed with timely information on Operation 
Enduring Freedom, Marine Security Guards at our Embassies, and all 
other forward deployed Marine forces. Colonel Gentry could be counted 
on as a trustworthy source on Marine Corps Programs, be it the Joint 
Strike Fighter, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, or the MV-22 Osprey. 
Moreover, his efforts helped this body properly recognize the 
contributions of the first African American Marines through the award 
of the Congressional Gold Medal in tribute to the Montford Point 
Marines.
  As Keil departs the Pentagon he will be heading just down the road to 
Quantico, Virginia. There he will be directing the Marine Corps' top 
level school, the Marine Corps War College. It is only fitting that an 
officer who has spent a career mentoring and training Marines should 
assume this great responsibility. Here Keil will interact with the 
Corps' senior leaders, those ready to assume vital commands around the 
globe. We can have no doubt that he will ensure they are well prepared 
for the duties they are about to undertake.
  Colonel Gentry's absence will be felt in the Congress and the 
Pentagon. I join many past and present Members in my gratitude and 
appreciation to him for his outstanding leadership and his unwavering 
support of the missions of the United States Marine Corps. I wish him 
and his wife, Jenny, fair winds and following seas as he continues to 
serve our great nation.

                          ____________________