[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 187 (Wednesday, November 28, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROMOTION OF MAJOR MARISOL ALTAGRACIA CHALAS TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL IN 
                         THE UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2018

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Major Marisol 
Altagracia Chalas on the occasion of her well-deserved promotion to 
Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Marisol began her 
outstanding military career 28 years ago as an enlisted soldier and has 
broken barriers on behalf of women in this country ever since. Most 
notably, in 2001 she had the distinction of becoming the first Latina 
National Guard Black Hawk pilot in the United States. Throughout her 
career, she has held the position of Battle Captain and Platoon Leader 
during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Aviation Liaison under the Combined 
Joint Task Force in the Dominican Republic, Lean Six Sigma Advisor, and 
Force Management and Exchange Officer with the Canadian military. 
Marisol also has outstanding corporate experience, having worked in 
management positions at General Electric and Booz Allen Hamilton.
  Marisol's commitment to public service is not limited to serving in 
the U.S. Armed Forces. It extends to helping her community as well. 
Marisol started a leadership lunch and learn program for children at 
Fort Bragg, took part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 
program, and currently serves on the board of the Massachusetts 
Maritime Academy. She also received the USCIS Outstanding American by 
Choice award in 2017, which highlights and celebrates the experiences 
and work ethic that immigrants contribute to the United States.
  As an Army Congressional Fellow in my office, Marisol brought a 
unique perspective to my staff. Her long and distinguished career in 
the military added invaluable insight while we considered the Fiscal 
Year 2018 Defense Appropriations legislation. The policy and funding 
measures she worked on helped to improve the lives of U.S. service 
members around the world. Additionally, Marisol oversaw the State and 
Foreign Operations and Homeland Security appropriations portfolios 
during her year in the office. Whether it was meeting with 
constituents, staffing day long Appropriations Committee markups, or 
debating important issues with staff, Marisol always conducted herself 
with the utmost professionalism and respect.
  Marisol's service and dedication to our nation truly upholds the U.S. 
Army's core values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, 
Integrity, and Personal Courage. Thank you, Marisol, for your service 
to our nation and for your service to the people of the Fourth District 
of Minnesota. We wish you nothing but success in the next chapter of 
your life.

                          ____________________