[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 18 (Monday, February 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E76-E77]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFELONG SERVICE OF COLONEL JOSEPH SPIELBAUER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 1, 2016

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the service of 
Colonel Joseph Spielbauer, whose dedication to excellence and 
sacrifices for public service spanned more than 25 years of active duty 
military service and over 20 additional years of public service to the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
   Colonel Spielbauer was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in Field 
Artillery from Gonzaga University, in May 1967. He immediately shipped 
out to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for officer basic training followed by 
Airborne training and the grueling Ranger course at Fort Benning, the 
home of Infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia. He earned both his 
paratrooper wings and the prestigious Ranger tab prior to his first 
assignment to the famed 82nd Airborne Division.
   After duty with the 82nd Airborne Division, Colonel Spielbauer was 
reassigned to combat duty with the 1st Infantry Division in the 
Republic of Vietnam, where he served as an artillery firing battery 
commander. Following combat duty, he returned to the United States and 
completed the artillery officer advance course, the advanced 
maintenance course, and rigorous infantry pathfinder training.
   Colonel Spielbauer's next assignment was in Germany, where he first 
served as an artillery service battery commander and then as the Group 
S-3 (plans and operations) officer.
   As Vietnam drew down and the Cold War heated up, the Army decided to 
station a combat ready Ranger battalion in Europe. The leaders of this 
elite fighting force went through a vigorous screening process. Colonel 
Spielbauer's outstanding service record and demonstrated potential for 
greater responsibility earned him the challenging assignment as the 
first Fire Support Coordinator for the European Ranger battalions. He 
excelled in this duty and was subsequently assigned to teach at the Air 
Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he was responsible for helping 
to train the next generation of military leaders.
   Colonel Spielbauer and his family then moved to Fort Leavenworth, 
Kansas, where he completed the Army's resident Command and General 
Staff College. He then returned to Europe for the next 7.5 years. In 
Europe, Colonel Spielbauer served in numerous positions of escalating 
responsibility. He initially served as the plans officer for the 59th 
Ordinance Brigade. His initiative, hard work, and dedication to 
excellence earned him the opportunity to command the 294th Army 
Artillery Group. This difficult job carried the heavy responsibilities 
of nuclear fire support for NATO and numerous challenging host nation 
support requirements. Colonel Spielbauer did an outstanding job in this 
assignment. He earned the rare opportunity to then command the 552nd 
Army Artillery Group. He spent 5 years commanding high profile, high 
risk nuclear units.
   Colonel Spielbauer's demonstrated potential for greater 
responsibility earned him a slot in the resident Army War College 
class. This is the most senior Army school, reserved for the absolute 
best Army leaders. After graduation, he was selected for a prestigious 
staff/faculty position at the War College. Colonel Spielbauer's final 
assignment was the Senior Army Advisor to the Commanding General of the 
28th Infantry Division/Pennsylvania National Guard. Colonel Spielbauer 
retired from active duty in September 1992 and transitioned to civilian 
service for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
   Colonel Spielbauer held several important positions in Pennsylvania 
including his role as the Director of the Base Development Committee 
and his current position as Executive Director of the PA Military 
Community Enhancement Commission. Joe was directly responsible for 
bringing together all of the disconnected military operations in 
Pennsylvania and preparing a unified strategy to expand the military 
presence through the 2005 Base Re-Alignment & Closure (BRAC). Colonel 
Spielbauer approached this daunting responsibility with the same 
unflinching dedication and professionalism that he employed to achieve 
military mission accomplishments. The unquestionable success of Colonel 
Spielbauer's detailed planning, meticulous execution and foresight can 
be seen throughout Pennsylvania, as military programs expand and 
employment grows.
   Throughout his long and successful career, Colonel Spielbauer has 
faithfully executed his diverse duties with great professionalism. He 
is a ``Soldier's Soldier'' and a consummate professional. Colonel 
Spielbauer's outstanding career reflects great honor and credit upon 
himself, his family, and our nation.

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