[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E184-E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JOSEPH EDWARD LAMENDOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2015

  Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Colonel 
Joseph Edward Lamendola. Originally from Massena, New York and 
currently a resident of Camillus, New York, Colonel Lamendola received 
his direct commission on 19 February 1984 and subsequently has 30 years 
of military service with United States Air Force and the New York Air 
National Guard. Colonel Lamendola has been decorated with numerous 
medals, awards, and service distinctions. It is my honor to recognize 
such a distinguished citizen and airman.
   Colonel Lamendola began his military career in the Air Force on 19 
February 1984 under the Air Force's direct commissioning program and 
served four years on Federal Active Duty as an Assistant Staff Judge 
Advocate and Area Defense Counsel at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, 
North Carolina. In October 1988, Colonel Lamendola transferred to the 
New York Air National Guard and was assigned to the 174th Fighter Wing, 
Hancock Field, Syracuse, New York. During his tenure as Staff Judge 
Advocate with the 174th Fighter Wing, Colonel Lamendola served as the 
9th Air Force Air National Guard Judge Advocate Liaison. From October 
1995 through December 2000, Colonel Lamendola provided guidance and 
support to 9th Air Force Air National

[[Page E185]]

Guard-gained units, including conducting Staff Assistance Visits to all 
18 units.
   In March 1995, he deployed with the 174th Fighter Wing in support of 
a Joint NATO Exercise conducted at Andoya Air Base, Norway. In 1991, 
Colonel Lamendola was called to Federal Active Duty in support of 
Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He served for 180 
days at home station performing duties in a dual role as Staff Judge 
Advocate and Public Affairs Officer.
   Colonel Lamendola has served as Legal Advisor, Recorder, and 
Respondent's Counsel on numerous occasions by Air National Guard units 
from the states of Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montana, New 
York and Vermont. Colonel Lamendola has assisted in the research and 
revision of the 1996 Commander's Legal Desk Book, and participated as a 
member of a Process Action Team, which drafted the Air National Guard 
Instruction dealing with Legal Assistance. He has also served as an 
instructor for the November 2003 Contemporary Base Issues course hosted 
by the New York Air National Guard.
   Colonel Lamendola currently serves as the senior uniformed Air 
National Guard Judge Advocate in the New York Air National Guard and is 
responsible for providing legal advice, opinions, and assistance on a 
variety of subjects to the Commander of the New York Air National 
Guard, the Air Staff, other Judge Advocates assigned to New York Air 
National Guard's five flying wings the Eastern Air Defense Sector, and 
commanders throughout the New York Air National Guard.
   During these times and throughout his career, Colonel Lamendola has 
displayed honorable character and service to the United States Air 
Force, the New York Air National Guard, and our country. His military 
decorations and unit awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with 
two oak leaf clusters; the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak 
leaf cluster; and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with four oak 
leaf clusters. His military campaign and service awards include the 
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star; the Global 
War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon 
with six oak leaf clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with silver 
hourglass device and mobilization ``M'' device; and Air Force Training 
Ribbon.
   Colonel Lamendola also holds the following New York State awards and 
decorations: the New York State Long and Faithful Service Award with 
one gold shield device; the New York State Defense of Liberty Medal; 
the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross; and the New York State 
Exercise Support Ribbon.
   Colonel Lamendola's effective dates of promotion are: First 
Lieutenant--23 September 1982; Captain--28 September 1984; Major--2 
December 1989; Lieutenant Colonel--27 January 1994; and his current 
rank of Colonel--1 June 2009.
   In his civilian capacity, Colonel Lamendola maintains a law practice 
in Syracuse, New York and serves a client base in Northern and Central 
New York. His practice concentrates in the areas of business 
litigation, personal injury, education and school law, family law, 
military law and estate planning. Colonel Lamendola serves as a 
committee member on the Fourth Department Attorney Grievance Committee, 
and he is also a delegate for the Fifth Judicial District nominating 
committee.
   Colonel Lamendola holds degrees from Tulane Law School, New Orleans, 
Louisiana, 1983 (LL.M, Admiralty Law) University of Wales, Cardiff, 
United Kingdom, 1982 (LL.B, Cum Laude) State University of New York, 
Plattsburg, NY, 1977 (B.A., Political Science) Air War College, May 
2005.
   Colonel Lamendola also holds Bar Admissions in the U.S. Supreme 
Court, 1987; the U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit, 1996; the U.S. 
Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1983; the U.S. District Court Eastern 
District of Louisiana, 1983; the U.S. District Court Northern District 
of New York, 1991; the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 
1984; the State of New York, 1990; and the State of Louisiana, 1983.
   Without question Mr. Speaker, Colonel Lamendola is a very special 
person. He willingly served his nation, exuding loyalty and pride. For 
his unrelenting service, Colonel Lamendola can retire knowing he has 
earned such a status. I would like to wish him well in his retirement 
years, as he will now be able to spend more free time with his wife 
Heather and his daughter Amelia Jude. Colonel Lamendola, thank you for 
all of your years of hard work, dedication, and service to our country.

                          ____________________