[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E512-E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT JOEL D. ROGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2014

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Master Gunnery Sergeant 
Joel D. Rogers, who will retire this year from the United States' 
Marine Corps after 28 years of outstanding service to our country.
  Upon completing recruit training, Private First Class Rogers attended 
Marine Corps Engineer School specializing in the Journeyman Electrical 
Equipment Repair Course. He completed training before being assigned to 
the Selected Marine Corps Reserve at Engineer Maintenance Company in 
Omaha, NE.
  In January 2003, Master Sergeant Rogers deployed to Iraq serving as 
the Maintenance Chief of Combat Service Support Company-146 during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his tour overseas, Master Sergeant 
Rogers was assigned to the Pentagon serving a vital role as a 
Congressional Liaison to the Marine Corps in Washington, D.C.
  After serving at the Pentagon, Master Gunnery Sergeant Rogers 
returned to Omaha and Offutt Air Force Base as a Protocol Action 
Officer before later serving as a Legislative Liaison for U.S. 
Strategic Command. As a member of the legislative staff, Sergeant 
Rogers served a crucial role interacting directly with members of 
Congress.
  As a civilian, Rogers finished 24 years with the State of Nebraska's 
Department of Health and Human Services before retiring in 2012 as an 
Administrator. He is an alumnus of Bellevue University where he holds a 
Bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration and a Master's in 
Organizational Leadership.
  In November 2012, Master Gunnery Sergeant Rogers assumed his current 
role as Action Officer of Command Protocol. In this role, he 
coordinates and assists in visits for the command's various 
distinguished visitors including members of Congress, military and 
civilian leaders, as well as foreign government officials.
  Rogers and his wife Felicia, who serves as my District Director, have 
seven children and live in Papillion, NE. Three of their sons have 
followed their dad's lead in serving our country by also enlisting in 
the U.S. Marine Corps. Rogers and his family are outstanding members of 
our community and this past November received the Community Service 
Award from Heartland Family Service, an award given to those 
exemplifying strong family life and community service in the Omaha 
area.
  Master Gunnery Sergeant Rogers is the recipient of various personal 
decorations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint 
Services Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement 
Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Master Gunnery Sergeant 
Rogers for his outstanding service to our country and in particular, 
Offut Air Force Base and STRATCOM.

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