[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 141 (Friday, August 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF COMMANDER MICHAEL FILES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD DOGGETT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 6, 2021

  Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, one of the most important honors we have 
as Members of Congress is to nominate candidates from a competitive 
pool of young men and women who want to attend our Nation's elite 
military academies. Among the first I nominated was Michael Files, a 
James Bowie High School graduate from Austin, Texas, who sought 
admission to the United States Naval Academy. A nomination doesn't 
guarantee admission or success, but Commander Files enjoyed both.
  It brings me great satisfaction to know that Commander Files has gone 
on to do so much on behalf of our Nation, in and out of the uniform, 
His service in the U.S. Navy, which led him all over world, such as 
Guam and Japan, earned him several awards such as the 2011 Navy Times 
Sailor of the Year, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service 
Commendation Medal and many others.
  In addition to serving in the Armed Forces, Commander Files served 
his fellow neighbors as a Commissioner for the City of Alexandria Human 
Rights Commission. During his tenure from 2009 to 2011, Commander Files 
held public hearings related to housing discrimination and age 
discrimination in Employment--highlighting his dedication to civil 
rights. In recent years, Commander Files has led the Navy Talent 
Acquisition Group in San Antonio where his team recruits high-quality 
candidates from Texas who are interested in joining the U.S. Navy.
  Outside of his uniform, Commander Files is actively involved in the 
community, volunteering with organizations such as Big Brothers Big 
Sisters, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the NAACP. Commander 
Files' exemplary service to America and his local community is 
emblematic of what makes America a great Nation.
  I wish Commander Files the very best as he and his family celebrate 
his well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________