[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1235-E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATED SERVICE AND OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OF MAJOR 
                        GENERAL JOANNE SHERIDAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE JOHNSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 14, 2017

  Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a member 
from my home state, Major General Joanne Sheridan, for her steadfast 
service to the safety and security of the people of Louisiana in the 
Louisiana National Guard. Five years ago, Major General Sheridan became 
the first female general in the Louisiana National Guard, and today, I 
would like to commend her for raising the bar again and becoming the 
first female Two-Star General in the Louisiana National Guard.
  Originally from Maine, Major General Sheridan moved to Leesville, 
La., when the Army stationed her father, Command Sergeant Major Joe S. 
Fernald, at Fort Polk. There, she attended Leesville High School and 
went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in sociology at Northeast 
Louisiana University in Monroe, La., where she received her commission 
through Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1983. Later, she received 
a master's degree in strategic studies from the prestigious U.S. Army 
War College.
  A true solider to her community and country, Major General Sheridan 
began her impressive military career as an active duty service member 
in the U.S. Army in February 1984, at Fort Polk Army Base. Throughout 
her 33-year career, in both her active duty and National Guard service, 
her leadership has earned her the respect of her peers and included 
many major accomplishments. She became the first female to command a 
battalion leading the 41th Military Intelligence Battalion, Commander 
of the 199th Regiment Regional Training Institute, and the first female 
to helm a major command when she led the 61st Troop Command. Currently, 
she serves as the Assistant General for the Louisiana National Guard 
and is responsible as the principal military advisor to the Adjunct 
General in assisting in the deployment and coordination of programs, 
policies and plans for the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard.
  The National Guard is unique in defending Louisiana both at home and 
abroad. Major General Sheridan served as a citizen soldier through 
Hurricane Katrina, was deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraq 
Freedom in 2008, and led rescue and recovery efforts in the historic 
Louisiana flooding of 2016. She previously served as president of the 
National Guard Association of Louisiana and now serves as secretary of 
the National Guard Association of the U.S. Her dedication to the 
National Guard extends past what is required. Twice, Major General 
Sheridan has battled breast cancer and with her last round of treatment 
in August, has again won the battle. Her incredible strength and 
courage serve as a beacon of hope for others.

[[Page E1236]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Major General Sheridan's 
many accomplishments and to recognize her honorable service to the 
state of Louisiana and our great nation. She has set a tremendous 
example, and I hope her accomplishments inspire others to exemplify her 
excellence. My wife, Kelly, and I thank Major General Sheridan for all 
she does to defend our community and country, and we wish her continued 
success.

                          ____________________