[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 22, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE JOINT IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE 
           DEFEAT ORGANIZATION, MAJOR GENERAL PATRICK HIGGINS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL R. TURNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2014

  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General 
Patrick M. Higgins, Deputy Director of the Joint Improvised Explosive 
Device Defeat Organization, or JIEDDO, who will retire from the United 
States Army on September 1, 2014, after 34 years of distinguished 
service. In his final tour of duty, Major General Higgins led efforts 
to disrupt threat networks that support, supply and employ IEDs 
globally. Through his contributions, JIEDDO has made significant 
strides in reducing the effectiveness of the IEDs and eliminating the 
enemy networks that seek to use these devices to harm our troops.
  Major General Higgins has commanded within the special operations 
community at the detachment, battalion and group levels, culminating in 
assignment as the Commander, Joint Forces Special Operations Component 
Command in Iraq. He has served in numerous special operations staff 
assignments and director-level positions within the Joint Staff.
  Major General Higgins has earned numerous awards and decorations 
including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze 
Star Medal with ``V'' device, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, 
Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army 
Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, among others.
  I am proud to share in the celebration of Major General Higgins' long 
and distinguished military career. I would also like to congratulate 
his wife, Susan, and his three daughters, Sarah, Emily and Jessica, 
whose love and support has aided and strengthened Major General Higgins 
throughout his career. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

                          ____________________