[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 125 (Friday, July 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MAJOR GENERAL BRIAN J. MENNES FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE 
                     DURING HIS TENURE AT FORT DRUM

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                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General 
Brian J. Mennes for his service to the United States of America over 
the course of his 33-year career with the U.S. Army and his two years 
in command of Fort Drum in Northern New York, which I proudly 
represent.
  Major General Mennes graduated from the United States Military 
Academy in West Point, New York in 1988 and immediately commissioned 
into the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. Since then, MG Mennes has 
deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and five 
times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to leading 
the famed 10th Mountain Division, MG Mennes has also served in the 
storied 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A highly 
decorated officer, MG Mennes is known for his exceptional leadership 
skills, commitment to his soldiers and families, and ability to 
cultivate a supportive community. MG Mennes easily fit into the culture 
of the North Country and leaves Fort Drum after changing it for the 
better.
  During his tenure at Fort Drum, Major General Mennes was influential 
in ensuring his soldiers were combat-ready while building a strong 
support system within the community. He led the 10th Mountain Division 
through an Afghanistan deployment and drawdown as the U.S. prepares to 
bring our troops home after nearly twenty years in the country. In 
addition, MG Mennes has faced unprecedented challenges in commanding 
Fort Drum through the Coronavirus pandemic where he was responsible for 
the lives, health, and safety of thousands of soldiers, families, and 
civilians.
  On behalf of New York's 2lst district and the entire Fort Drum 
community, I would like to thank Major General Mennes for his 
exceptional leadership and continued investment in his community. I 
congratulate him on his achievements thus far and wish him the best of 
luck during his next assignment at Joint Base Lewis--McChord, 
Washington.

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