[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 123 (Monday, July 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING COLONEL L. OMAR LOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2019

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel 
L. Omar Lomas, an Army veteran, and a dedicated community leader. On 
July 18, 2019, he took command of 42D Military Police Brigade.
  Colonel Lomas is a native of Texas's 15th Congressional District, 
born in McAllen, Texas. In 1996, he graduated from Texas State 
University, formerly known as Southwest Texas State, as a Distinguished 
Military Graduate through their ROTC program, earning his Bachelor of 
Science in Criminal Justice. In August 1996, Colonel Lomas enlisted and 
served as an Army soldier in Operations Desert Shield/Storm. After 
serving, he obtained two Masters degrees, one in Business and Security 
Administration from Webster University and another in Strategic Studies 
from the U.S. Army War College. Colonel Lomas engaged in a variety of 
impressive learning opportunities including the Military Police Officer 
Basic course, the Captain's Career course, the Combined Arms Services 
Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War 
College, the U.S. Army Air Assault and Airborne courses, and the Army 
Force Management Course.
  Colonel Lomas has honorably served in key leadership roles in our 
military; serving as a Platoon Leader to Commander for the Military 
Police at Fort McClellan, Fort Polk, Fort Hood, Fort Riley, Schofield 
Barracks, and in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Colonel Lomas also served as 
Operations Officer, Directorate of Emergency Services, Fort Riley 
Kansas; Military Police Observer Coach/Trainer, Mission Command 
Training Program, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Deputy Director, Defense 
Forensics and Biometrics Agency, Pentagon; and Strategic Initiatives 
Group Chief, Office of the Provost Marshal General, Pentagon.
  Colonel Lomas has received several awards and distinctions, including 
the Bronze Star Medal (3 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal (4 OCL), 
the Joint Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), the 
Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), the National Defense Service Medal (1 
Bronze Star), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia 
Service Medal (3rd Bronze Star), the Afghanistan and Iraqi Campaign 
Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, 
the Liberation of Kuwait Medal, the Defense of Saudi Arabia Medal, the 
Order of the Marechaussee (Bronze), the Combat Action, Air Assault and 
Parachutist's badges, and the Army Staff Badge.
  Madam Speaker, Colonel L. Omar Lomas has dedicated his life to 
defending our country and the freedoms we hold dear. It is an honor to 
represent a hero who has exemplified leadership, scholarship, and 
selfless service. There is no doubt in my mind that Colonel Lomas will 
excel with 42D Military Police Brigade. I wish Colonel L. Omar Lomas, 
his wife Edtna Georgina Garcia, and his children Maria, Miguel, Mateo, 
and Diego the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________