[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 169 (Tuesday, November 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING MICHAEL McKINNON ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2015

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize 
retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Michael McKinnon, the current 
Deputy to the Garrison Commander at Fort Drum, New York.
   Lieutenant Colonel Michael McKinnon has spent his life dedicated to 
serving and protecting our national security and freedoms, with a 
combined 37 years of public service. Lt. Col. McKinnon served his 
nation honorably and with distinction for 23 years of active duty 
service. After retirement from the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. McKinnon has 
continued to serve our nation as a civil servant for over 14 years.
   Lieutenant Colonel McKinnon's first introduction to Fort Drum was 
with the 2nd Brigade as the Logistics Officer. Lt. Col. McKinnon was 
then assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 14th Infantry as the Battalion 
Executive Officer and served with them in Somalia during Operation 
Restore Hope. In 1995, after a stint in Kansas, Lieutenant Colonel 
McKinnon returned to the 10th Mountain Division where he served as 
Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy G-3 and Director of Logistics.
   As an army officer, Lieutenant Colonel McKinnon received the Legion 
of Merit, six Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation 
Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, the Armed Forces Expeditionary 
Medal, as well as the Expert Infantry, Ranger Tab and Parachutist and 
Air Assault badges.
   Following Lieutenant Colonel Mike McKinnon's retirement from the 
active army, he returned to the North Country and to Fort Drum where he 
has served our community proudly as the Deputy to the Garrison 
Commander. As a civil servant, Lieutenant Colonel McKinnon received the 
Superior Civilian Service Award and the Commander's Award for Civilian 
Service.
   It is apparent Mike has led the efforts for our servicemembers 
within the North Country and over the years has played an instrumental 
role in supporting soldiers, civilians, families, Fort Drum and the 
10th Mountain Division. The recipient of multiple awards and 
decorations, Lieutenant Colonel McKinnon embodies all the qualities of 
a selfless hero, who has answered the call to serve.
   Lieutenant Colonel McKinnon, congratulations on your years of 
service to our great nation and your retirement. Your guidance and 
expertise will truly be missed at Fort Drum and by our North Country 
community.

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