[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MAJOR GENERAL KEVIN O'CONNELL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Major General Kevin 
O'Connell as he retires in August after 34 years in service to the 
United States Army.
  A native of Clinton, Maryland, Major General O'Connell first joined 
the ROTC as a Quartermaster Corps Officer in 1982. Since then, he has 
risen through the ranks, proving himself a dedicated, honorable, and 
capable leader. As Commanding General of the United States Army 
Sustainment Command (ASC), he has helped to sustain Army and Joint 
Forces in support of Combatant Commands across the world. As the Senior 
Commander of the United States Army Garrison in Rock Island, he leads 
not only one of our nation's greatest military installations, but also 
one our region's largest employers.
  Major General O'Connell's commitment to the armed services is evident 
not only through his daily work, but also demonstrated by his numerous 
decorations throughout the years, including the Army Distinguished 
Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two 
Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army 
Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, 
as well as numerous unit awards, campaign medals, and service medals. 
He has also been presented with the Noble Patron of Armor, Order of 
Saint Michael, Somervell Award, Order of Saint Martin, and the Order of 
Samuel Sharpe for his contributions to the Armored and Cavalry forces, 
Army Aviation, Logistics Corps, Quartermaster Corps, and the Ordnance 
Corps respectively.
  I am proud to recognize Major General O'Connell not only as a hero, 
but as a friend. I wish him the best in his well-earned retirement, and 
thank him for his service.

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