[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING CHARLES A. REIMER ON HIS RETIREMENT AND TO COMMEND HIM 
  FOR HIS 33 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND 27 YEARS OF FEDERAL CIVIL 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles A. 
Reimer, a resident of the 11th District, for his years of service to 
our country and to congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement 
following 33 years of military service and 27 years of federal civil 
service.
   Mr. Reimer enlisted in our United States Army in August 1966 and 
served honorably for 3 years. In 1969, Mr. Reimer began his federal 
civil service, and, in 1970, he joined the Massachusetts National 
Guard. For the following 13 years, he served concurrently as a civilian 
employee in the Department of the Army as well as fulfilling his duties 
in the Guard.
   During this period of concurrent service, Mr. Reimer became an 
expert in personnel management and focused on development of training 
programs and enhancement of training though facilities management. His 
innovative techniques were used to support the development of training 
programs for the National Park Service, U.S. Marshall Service, U.S. 
Marine Corps, and other federal and state agencies. In 1980, his 
expertise was invaluable in helping to implement a new initial entry 
training for the Army as well as more specialized training for inter-
service personnel. Mr. Reimer's civil service evolved to more technical 
positions in developing strategic education programs aimed at preparing 
individuals for senior leadership positions in the military as well as 
foreign area officers and strategists.
   In June, 1983, Mr. Reimer was ordered into Federal Active Duty with 
the National Guard, where he served with distinction in personnel 
management and later in the areas of environmental management, 
diplomacy, and international affairs. His military career culminated 
with his service as Chief, Africa/Asia/Pacific Division, International 
Affairs Directorate for the National Guard Bureau. He was released from 
active duty in August 1999 and returned to federal civil service. His 
last assignment as the Strategic Planning Officer for the Chief of the 
National Guard Bureau was a culmination of all the years of service and 
experience supporting federal, state and local officials and 
organizations.
   In recognition of his exemplary service in uniform and as a civilian 
federal employee, Mr. Reimer has received numerous decorations, awards, 
and medals including: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Award (4), 
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army 
Achievement Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal (7), Good 
Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hour Glass Device, 
Medal for the Defense of Freedom, Superior Civilian Service Medal (2), 
Commander's Award for Civilian Service, Army Superior Unit Award (2), 
Texas Medal of Merit, and Massachusetts Emergency Service Award.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Charles 
A. Reimer for his dedication and service to our country while serving 
in the National Guard and also as a dedicated public servant. I also 
thank his family for their support and sacrifices which have enabled 
Charles to contribute so greatly to our country. He has made 
immeasurable contributions to our nation, and I wish him a healthy, 
happy, and well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________