[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 119 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COLONEL CHRISTOPHER T. DREW

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 14, 2017

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am extremely grateful for the 
opportunity, on behalf of myself and my constituents, to honor Colonel 
Christopher T. Drew, District Commander for the United States Army 
Corps of Engineers (USACE)--Chicago District. Throughout his command, 
Colonel Drew has shown unwavering dedication to improving the quality 
of life for the people of the District under his command. Colonel Drew 
will relinquish his command to Colonel Aaron W. Reisinger on July 21, 
2017, at which time he will complete his exemplary career in the United 
States Army.
   In 1992, Colonel Drew began his selfless twenty-five year military 
career in the United States Army. Throughout the years, Colonel Drew 
completed tours in Texas, New York, California, Missouri, and Kansas, 
before arriving in Chicago. He was also deployed several times, serving 
in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Operation Enduring Freedom in 
Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. Colonel Drew handled 
every assignment with courage, honor, and merit. He is regarded as a 
most gifted teacher who excels at bringing people together to solve 
problems and helping individuals become the best versions of 
themselves. For his distinguished service, Colonel Drew is the 
recipient of numerous awards and citations, including two Bronze Star 
Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Meritorious 
Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement 
Medals, one Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and two Meritorious Unit 
Commendations, as well as the Sapper Tab, Ranger Tab, Air Assault 
Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
   Colonel Drew took command of the USACE--Chicago District in 2014. 
During his time as District Commander in Chicago, his leadership has 
played a significant role in the organization's accomplishments, most 
notably in Northwest Indiana. The USACE initiated an ecosystem 
restoration project at the Portage Lakefront Park in 2015, in which 
sixty-five acres were restored, complementing the investments made 
previously by the USACE to open up public access to Lake Michigan. In 
East Chicago, Colonel Drew joined city officials to break ground on a 
shoreline restoration project that will enhance amenities to allow 
residents to enjoy the lakefront, while benefiting a diverse ecosystem. 
Stormwater and sanitary sewer projects were initiated by the Colonel's 
leadership, in partnership with local sponsors in various communities, 
which improve water quality throughout the region and ultimately 
improve the quality of life for residents in numerous communities. Work 
continues on the Little Calumet River Flood Control and Recreation 
Project, which protects residents along the river and creates 
opportunities for increased economic development, and the dredging of 
the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal carries on apace. These projects and 
others stand testament to Colonel Drew's commitment to the USACE's 
mission to work with its partners to energize the nation's economy 
through its civil works projects, as they likewise improve the quality 
of place in areas such as Northwest Indiana, I am grateful for his 
generosity of spirit, his meticulous work ethic, and his dedicated life 
of service.
   Colonel Drew's outstanding career is exceeded only by his devotion 
to his beautiful family. He and his amazing wife, Rochelle, have two 
beloved children, Ian and Amara.
   Mr. Speaker, Colonel Drew has selflessly served his country and his 
fellow Americans. He has been a steadfast and proven leader throughout 
his remarkable career, one that has been instrumental in producing and 
developing the talents of the next generation. I respectfully ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Colonel 
Christopher T. Drew for his honorable service to the United States of 
America and in wishing him well upon his retirement.

                          ____________________