[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING GENERAL STEPHEN R. LYONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to pay 
tribute to an outstanding leader and warrior, Army General Stephen R. 
Lyons, Commander of U.S. Transportation Command. General Lyons is soon 
retiring, having served this great Nation for 38 years and completing a 
most distinguished career.
  General Lyons graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 
1983, where he received a degree in Criminology. He began his career in 
Germany during the Cold War and subsequently held a wide range of 
operational assignments to include command at company, battalion, 
brigade, and major command levels. Since 2003, he has spent over 40 
months deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He 
often speaks of his time in command of the 703d Main Support Battalion, 
3d Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia as being one of his most 
rewarding assignments. While in command, his battalion provided mission 
critical necessary support during the initial ``thunder run'' into Iraq 
in 2003.
  A constant voice of reason, motivation, and inspiration, General 
Lyons has devoted his life to this Nation. He has provided sound 
counsel to leaders at all levels, and built trust with the American 
people through his impressive actions. I have personally sought his 
advice, as have my colleagues. The Members of this Chamber and workers 
across many parts of the Federal Government will miss his leadership 
and candor.
  General Lyons' illustrious career is culminating with his current 
position, where he leads the 144,000 men and women of U.S. 
Transportation Command. He is responsible for coordinating the 
Department of Defense's global deployment and distribution enterprise. 
His transformational leadership has bolstered warfighter readiness, 
increased cyber awareness and security, and prepared the Department of 
Defense for challenging transportation and logistics missions in the 
future. General Lyons' leadership abilities were on full display as he 
successfully oversaw the largest Non-combatant Evacuation Operation 
airlift in U.S. history. He challenged deliberate planning assumptions 
from day one and compelled the Joint Force to adapt and evolve for the 
dynamic and uncertain operating environment of tomorrow.
  In addition to General Lyons' service, Maureen, his wife of 32 years, 
also selflessly served this great Nation. She devoted her life to 
caring for families under his command and in their community. I cannot 
overstate the importance of the support the spouses and families 
provide to their service members in our Armed Forces. Service and 
sacrifice are not limited to just the service member, but often extend 
to the entire family. On behalf of the U.S. Congress and a grateful 
Nation, we thank Maureen and their children, Kara and Dylan, for their 
continued and dedicated service to our military and our Nation. 
Although the Army will say goodbye to General Lyons and Maureen, we 
know that the Lyons family's legacy and devotion to the service of this 
great Nation will continue for years to come.
  I would like to help close out the final chapter of this inspiring 
Soldier and Joint Force leader's career with a heartfelt thank you from 
all the men and women of the U.S. Congress and Nation. General Lyons, 
Godspeed. We thank you, Maureen, and the entire Lyons family, for your 
service over a remarkable 38-year career. We wish you well in your 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________