[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF COL. CHARLES JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary career 
of Col. Charles Jackson who recently retired from his position as 
Assistant Vice President for Facilities at the University of North 
Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas. For over a decade, he has competently 
overseen the rapid growth of new construction and renovation of 
numerous campus buildings. Prior to his work at UNT, Col. Jackson spent 
the majority of his career serving his country on active duty with the 
United States Air Force (USAF). As a registered professional engineer 
and member of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators, Col. 
Jackson has distinguished himself as an accomplished military and 
civilian engineer through his successful direction of numerous projects 
and developments, domestically and abroad.
  Col. Jackson received a B.A. in civil engineering from the U.S. Air 
Force Academy and a M.A. in engineering/facilities from the Air Force 
Institute of Technology. He served as the commander of the 7th 
Engineering Squadron at Carswell Air Force Base at Fort Worth, Texas. 
His civil engineer leadership positions include duty assignments 
stateside in Colorado, Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma and overseas in 
Japan, Germany and Belgium. Col. Jackson dedicated 30 years of his life 
as a civil engineer in the Air Force and achieved the rank of Colonel 
upon his retirement in May 1998.
  Following his departure from the Air Force, Col. Jackson began 
employment at UNT as Facilities Maintenance Manager and was selected 
for his current position in 2005. Since 2000, the UNT campus has 
rapidly expanded to accommodate the growing number of incoming 
students. Col. Jackson has overseen the construction of four residence 
halls, seven major buildings and additional renovation projects. His 
proudest accomplishments include the Library Mall, the Net Zero Energy 
Lab, and the recent completion of the SMART project which will have a 
long-term beneficial impact for the UNT campus. Col. Jackson acted as a 
vital proponent of this project that will save the University over $3 
million in utility and operation costs annually and ensure reliable 
systems to support UNT into the future. The SMART project recently 
received a Green Ribbon Award in the infrastructure category from the 
U.S. Green Building Council North Texas as the best example of the 
implementation of sustainable infrastructure design, construction or 
management practices.
  On a personal level, I am grateful to Col. Jackson for his advice and 
expertise as a member of my Service Academy Board. As a USAF Academy 
graduate and higher education representative, Col. Jackson's role was 
to comprehensively screen and interview high school and college 
applicants wishing to receive a congressional nomination and to advise 
me upon the selection of qualified service academy candidates.
  I join his family, friends and colleagues in congratulating Col. 
Charles Jackson upon his exemplary service to our community, state and 
nation and extend my warmest wishes upon a well-earned retirement. His 
positive contributions and dedicated efforts will continue to enhance 
The University of North Texas for years to come, and I am privileged to 
represent the University of North Texas in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.

                          ____________________