[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 185 (Friday, December 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1831-E1832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING GARY BRACKETT ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and 
congratulate Gary Brackett, longtime Business and Political Manager for 
the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, on his retirement after 
nearly four decades of service to the Tacoma-Pierce County community.
  The Puget Sound region is home to a large number of military 
personnel, retirees, and their families. Over the course of Gary's 36 
years at the Chamber, his top priority has been to advocate for this 
community in Pierce County and beyond. When Joint Base Lewis-McChord 
(JBLM)--and other military installations--faced drastic cuts to its 
workforce in recent years due to federal budget cuts in defense 
spending, Gary led local efforts to retain

[[Page E1832]]

as many troops as possible by providing the U.S. Army with a 
quantitative analysis of JBLM's vital role to the region and to U.S. 
national security. His diligence and successful coalition-building 
helped to minimize the negative impacts that a reduction in military 
personnel would have entailed, including a projected $1 billion loss in 
economic activity in the region that could have resulted.
  Throughout his career at the Chamber, Gary made it a priority to not 
only interact with local and state leaders, but to have a presence in 
Washington, D.C. as well. He was instrumental in helping to secure 
federal funding for the construction of much-needed elementary schools 
at JBLM, local water and sewage projects, and other transportation 
infrastructure improvements on base. In recognition of his leadership, 
Gary was asked by Governor Inslee to serve on the Washington Military 
Alliance (WMA) where he worked to ensure the continued liveliness of 
Washington's military and defense sector community.
  Gary's success at building coalitions includes his significant role 
in the development of an ongoing positive relationship between JBLM and 
its surrounding communities. Through his work to create the Chamber's 
Military Affairs Forum, base commanders and personnel have the 
opportunity to interact with local business and political leaders on a 
monthly basis. The Forum has served as an open platform to discuss 
controversial issues including joint land use and clear zone funding. 
Due to its success over the years, the Military Affairs Forum has 
served as a model for similar military communities across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Gary 
Brackett on his retirement and accomplishments. His leadership has been 
critical to fostering a thriving economy and maintaining the quality of 
life of Pierce County businesses and military personnel and their 
families in Washington State.

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