[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID J. FURNESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MAC THORNBERRY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express appreciation for 
an outstanding Marine, Brigadier General David J. Furness, who has 
directly supported the Armed Services Committees, this House, and the 
Congress at-large as the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant. Over 
the years, I have worked with him on a variety of issues. In each and 
every case, his focus has been improving our nation's security and 
bettering of the lives of Marines stationed around the world.
   General Furness has been the Legislative Assistant to the Commandant 
since 2013. In that time he has served two Administrations, three 
Commandants, and four Secretaries of Defense. Through it all, General 
Furness has delivered a steady message focused on Marines and what the 
Marine Corps requires to remain our nation's force-in-readiness. As the 
Corps dealt with the consequences of the Budget Control Act, continuing 
resolutions, and inadequate funding, General Furness helped Members of 
Congress and our staffs understanding the real world consequences. He 
is known for his candor, responsiveness, and passion for his country 
and the Corps.
   A big part of the reason that General Furness has been able to 
describe clearly the challenges facing the Marine Corps is his 
experience in command. He has led Marines in combat since he was a 
Second Lieutenant, where he served in Panama. He has also served 
multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2010, he was the 
Commander of the 1st Marine Regiment in Helmand Province, when 
operations in Southwestern Afghanistan were a principal line of effort 
and the coalition accomplished significant gains in the 
counterinsurgency mission.
   General Furness is now returning to the operating forces where he 
will assume command of the Joint Task Force--Horn of Africa. I have no 
doubt that he will serve our Nation well in this challenging 
assignment.
   This deployment will be the 11th of General Furness' career. Through 
all of them, his wife Lynda has been by his side. From coast-to-coast 
moves and years of separation, Lynda has raised four children--David, 
Elizabeth, Ben and Zachary. She truly is a testament to the reality 
that it is not just our service members, but also their families, who 
sacrifice for the safety of us all.
   In thanking General Furness for his service thus far, I know that I 
join all our colleagues in wishing him and his family fair winds and 
following seas as he moves to the next phase of his career.

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