[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 68 (Thursday, April 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING COLONEL DELWYN SEVERIO MERKERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2019

  Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, our brave men and women of the Armed Forces 
continuously make sacrifices to keep our nation strong and free. Among 
the ranks is Colonel Delwyn Severio Merkerson, who I want to recognize 
today for his 30 years of service in the United States Army and the 
United States Army Reserve.
  General Colin Powell once stated, ``Success is the result of 
perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and 
persistence.'' Colonel Merkerson's military service is a shining 
example of success at its finest. He made numerous substantial and 
lasting contributions to the quality, effectiveness, and readiness of 
the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve at 
operational and strategic levels.
  Colonel Merkerson served in various positions over his 30-year 
career, as an artillery officer, budget officer, Deputy J-1 during a 
deployment in Afghanistan, Battalion Commander, Deputy Director for 
Reserve Component Policy, and finally as Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1. 
Colonel Merkerson's entire career was characterized by strong 
leadership, resolute mission-focus for achieving intrinsic excellence, 
and a genuine commitment to the welfare of soldiers, civilians, and 
families. He served as a model to the many who served with him and is 
nothing short of a transformational leader.
  The cost of freedom is always high. However, our military personnel 
do not shoulder the stress and sacrifice of military service alone. The 
backbone of their commitment lies with their families. Colonel 
Merkerson's wife Noel, sons Delwyn Jr., Kolby, Kaden and Staff Sergeant 
Daven Gates and daughters Raisha and Private Deja McCree have stood 
proudly by his side throughout the years. To them also, we offer a warm 
and heartfelt thank you.
  Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in recognizing Colonel Delwyn Merkerson.

                          ____________________