[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 20 (Monday, February 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING COLONEL BYRON P. DEEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 6, 2017

  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Colonel Byron 
Deel, Chief of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard. After 32 
years of dedicated service to our state and country, Colonel Deel has 
announced his retirement, effective February 5, 2017.
   Over the course of his career, Byron has held numerous leadership 
roles with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it be his time as 
Company Commander of the 173rd Personnel Support Company, his command 
of the Joint Counterdrug Task Force or his current position as Chief of 
the Joint Staff, Byron has exemplified a work ethic and regard for 
others that is second-to-none. As such, he has more than earned the 
utmost admiration and respect that his colleagues and peers hold for 
him.
   Colonel Deel's career includes two deployments: In 2001 to Bosnia, 
where he was responsible for supporting the State Department as 
military liaison and intelligence officer. In 2005, he deployed to 
Afghanistan as an Embedded Team Trainer as part of the 196th Field 
Artillery Brigade. There he served as a mentor in Intelligence and 
Operations to the Afghan National Army.
   Byron's exemplary service to our nation is reflected in the numerous 
commendations and military decorations he has received, including: The 
Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation 
Medal, and the Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, 
among a long list of many others.
   It is also important to mention that his wife, Mary Deel, whom Byron 
introduces as ``the Better Deal'', also serves in the National Guard as 
the Education Services Officer.
   On a personal note, Byron has been an invaluable resource for me and 
my staff on issues impacting our guardsmen. While I am sorry that 
Tennessee is losing an officer of such high caliber, on behalf of the 
grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, I extend a heartfelt 
thanks for his outstanding service to this great country and wish him 
the very best in his retirement.

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