[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING COLONEL H. CHARLES ``CHUCK'' HODGES JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service of 
Colonel H. Charles ``Chuck'' Hodges Jr., a decorated and active leader 
in our Armed Forces.
  For the past several years, Chuck has commanded Joint Base Lewis-
McChord (JBLM) with passion, courage, and dedication. With unparalleled 
determination to forge stronger ties with the surrounding communities, 
improve the on-base education system, and assist with the transition 
from military to civilian life, Chuck has tirelessly worked to improve 
the lives of those both on and off the base.
  During his command, Chuck has been fully aware that his influence and 
work extends beyond JBLM's fences. He has been recognized on numerous 
occasions for his work, including with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber 
Military Citizen of the Year award, which honored his tireless efforts 
to cultivate a stronger bond with the base's host community.
  Chuck has also helped to facilitate the renovation and replacement of 
five aging on-base schools. These schools, modernized with 
Congressional funding following the efforts of the Military Child 
Education Initiative, are the foundation for the growth and development 
of the next generation of leaders, both military and civilian.
  Furthermore, Chuck's focus on smoothing the transition from military 
to civilian life is a major asset to the Puget Sound region and our 
military veterans. He assisted thousands of service members by helping 
to facilitate job fairs, training, and career-counseling services on 
base. His hard work is paying off: between December 2011 and April 
2014, the employment rate of service members transitioning from JBLM 
rose from 18 to 42 percent. While there is still work to be done, 
Chuck's efforts have undoubtedly left a mark in providing for our past, 
future and present service members.
  It is with great honor that I recognize Chuck as he moves on from his 
position as Base Commander of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and more 
importantly for his 30 years of service in the United States Army. I 
wish him the best and am confident that he will continue to do 
outstanding work in his civilian life.

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