[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 157 (Friday, September 11, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E830-E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING COLONEL AARON W. REISINGER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 11, 2020

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to 
honor Colonel Aaron W. Reisinger, Commander and District Engineer of 
the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)--Chicago District. 
Throughout his command, Colonel Reisinger's dedication and steadfast 
leadership has proven worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Reisinger 
will relinquish his command to Colonel Paul B. Culberson at a change of 
command ceremony on September 18, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.
  In 1994, Colonel Reisinger graduated from the United States Military 
Academy with a degree in mechanical engineering. He went on to earn a 
master's degree in engineer management from the University of Missouri 
at Rolla

[[Page E831]]

and a master's degree in public policy from Georgetown University. In 
addition, he is a distinguished graduate of the United States Naval War 
College where he earned a master's degree in National Security and 
Strategic Studies.
  Colonel Reisinger's lifetime of service to the United States Army and 
to the citizens of our great country is to be highly commended. The 
Colonel served as a platoon leader and executive officer in the 14th 
Engineer Battalion from 1994 to 1998. From 2000 to 2002, he was a 
company commander in the 299th Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. 
Later, from 2012 to 2014, Colonel Reisinger commanded the 84th Engineer 
Battalion at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In addition, he has served as 
a trainer at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, an 
action officer for the Joint Staff, Plans and Strategy within the 
Deputy Directorate for the War on Terrorism, as military transition 
team chief within an Iraqi infantry battalion, operations officer in 
the 65th Engineer Battalion and 130th Engineer Brigade, and chief of 
operations for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command. He also completed 
two combat deployments to Iraq and one operational deployment in the 
South Pacific.
  For his distinguished service, Colonel Reisinger is the recipient of 
two Bronze Star Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint 
Service Commendation Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, one Joint 
Service Achievement Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, a Meritorious 
Unit Commendation, and multiple Iraq campaign stars.
  Colonel Reisinger assumed command of the USACE-Chicago District in 
2017. During his time as District Commander in Chicago, his leadership 
has played an integral role in the agency's accomplishments, most 
notably in Northwest Indiana. In partnership with local municipalities, 
the USACE implemented more than $14 million in stormwater and sanitary 
sewer infrastructure projects designed to improve water quality 
throughout the region and ultimately improve the quality of life and 
place in these communities. Colonel Reisinger's command saw the 
completion of the Little Calumet River Flood Control and Recreation 
Project, protecting residents from the devastating effects of flooding 
and providing the opportunity for increased economic development. 
Dredging continues within the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal to remove 
contaminated sediment and to restore its navigable depth, benefitting 
local industry as the improvements within the canal allow industrial 
users to increase efficacy in shipping along the Great Lakes.
  As our country continues to grapple with the uncertainty and strain 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would be remiss for not praising Colonel 
Reisinger for his dedicated effort this spring to coordinate the large-
scale operation to convert Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center 
into an alternative care facility.
  Finally, I would like to offer my deep appreciation for his efforts, 
alongside officials at the Division and HQ, to successfully complete 
the realignment and expansion of Chicago District in the last few 
months, ensuring continued mission stability and the long-term 
partnership between the Corps and our local communities. These projects 
and others stand testament to Colonel Reisinger's commitment to the 
USACE's mission to work with its partners to energize the nation's 
economy through its civil works projects and to respond to the toughest 
challenges. I am grateful for his generosity of spirit, his meticulous 
work ethic, and his dedicated life of service.
  Madam Speaker, Colonel Reisinger has selflessly served his country 
and his fellow Americans, and he has been unwavering in his leadership 
and commitment to our great country. I respectfully ask that you and my 
other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Colonel Aaron W. 
Reisinger for his exceptional service to the United States and for his 
outstanding command of the United States Army Corps of Engineers--
Chicago District.

                          ____________________