[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 122 (Tuesday, July 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE SERVICE OF MAJOR GENERAL PETER B. ANDRYSIAK JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2021

  Mr. YOUNG. Madam Speaker, I am deeply honored to express my gratitude 
to Major General Peter B. Andrysiak Jr. for his years of dedicated 
service to the United States of America, the Army, and the great state 
of Alaska.
  As the Commanding General of United States Army Alaska (USARAK.) and 
Deputy Commanding General of the Alaskan Command, at Joint Base 
Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, he is responsible for providing trained 
and ready forces to support worldwide unified land operations and 
operations in the United States Indo-Pacific Command Area of Operations 
and the Arctic Region and conduct military operations in places like 
Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Additionally, General Andrysiak has become a leader for the U.S. Army 
in the Arctic. In 1935, Brigadier General Billy Mitchell stated, ``I 
believe that in the future, whoever holds Alaska will hold the world. I 
think it is the most important strategic place in the world.'' In the 
over 85 years since that statement, we have seen military leaders who 
understood it and many who ignored it. General Andrysiak is clearly the 
former. His Arctic leadership was not only critical to reshaping the 
Army's vision of the Arctic but was also crucial in the development of 
the Army's Arctic Strategy and the modernization of the Army's 
operations in Arctic environments.
  Since pinning on his Second Lieutenant bars following his graduation 
from the United States Military Academy at West Point, General 
Andrysiak has exemplified what it means to be an American soldier. He 
is, however, more than the military tactical and operational expertise 
that he has demonstrated through his career. General Andrysiak has 
endeared himself to the soldiers and their families under his charge. 
For he has become a tireless advocate for their quality of life and 
wellbeing. From investments and improvements to facilities such as 
Child Development Centers, barracks, and gyms, to leadership engagement 
and mental health support, General Andrysiak understands that there is 
more to a soldier's readiness than squeezing a trigger and field 
maneuvers. There is mental, spiritual, physical, and family readiness 
that must be addressed as well.
  On February 23, 2021, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General James 
McConville, announced that General Andrysiak will become the Deputy 
Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe-Africa. While I am saddened to 
see him leave Alaska, I am proud that he will continue serving as a 
sentinel for our Nation.

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