[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1851-E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MAJOR JOHN TRUAX

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Major John Truax of 
the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to duty and 
service to our Nation. Major Truax and his wife Alaina will be moving 
on from his present assignment as an Army Congressional Liaison and 
will soon be reassigned as a Cyber Operations Officer for the Army 
National Guard.
  Army Congressional Liaisons officers provide an invaluable service to 
both the military and Congress. They assist Members and staff in 
understanding the Army's policies, actions, operations, and 
requirements. Their first hand knowledge of military needs, culture, 
and tradition is a tremendous benefit to Congressional offices.
  Following his graduation from Valley Forge Military College in May 
2001, Major Truax was commissioned in the Army National Guard as an 
Engineer Officer. Major Truax reported to his first operational 
assignment with Charlie Company, 276th Engineer Battalion in West 
Point, Virginia where he served as a Platoon Leader and Executive 
Officer. Following a period of reorganization across the Army, Major 
Truax transferred branches and became a Military Intelligence Officer.
  He left his civilian career in management and sales to deploy in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from May 2007 to June 2008. During 
his time in combat, John was responsible for providing security and 
Area Response Forces in Northern Kuwait as a staff officer in HHC, 2-
183 CAV before assuming command of Alpha Troop. After returning from 
his tour in Kuwait, Major Truax remained on active duty and was 
assigned to the Army National Guard Materiel Programs Division in 
Arlington, Virginia. At the completion of an exceptional four years 
there, he was selected to represent the Army National Guard in the U.S. 
House of Representatives as a Legislative Liaison.
  Major Truax's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. His awards and 
decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation 
Medal (1 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf 
Cluster), the Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification 
Badge.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work alongside Major Truax 
over the last year. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my 
colleagues in recognizing and commending his dedication to service and 
the sacrifices he and his family have made. We wish him, his wife 
Alaina, and their children Xander and Margaux all the best as they 
continue their journey to his next assignment in the United States 
Army.

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