[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 127 (Friday, July 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING COLONEL ERIC A. KENNEDY ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. 
                                MILITARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2022

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Colonel Eric 
A. Kennedy, upon his retirement after more than 30 years of military 
service in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. A dedicated and 
respected public servant, he has continued to serve his fellow veterans 
as the lead physician assistant at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
  Colonel Kennedy's passion for medicine and innovation helped make 
21st Century Cures a reality. Through Eric's work as the lead PA at the 
Battle Creek VA Medical Center, he has helped thousands of veterans 
like himself lead healthy lives after their service. He has been a 
preceptor for Grand Valley State University and WMU Homer Stryker M.D. 
School of Medicine students during his time at the VA.
  In addition to Eric's long history of medical service, he also served 
as an active member of the Michigan Army National Guard and was 
deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa on humanitarian missions. In 
2015, Colonel Kennedy was the first physician assistant to be named 
Medical Commander for the Michigan Army National Guard. He now serves 
as the State Surgeon for the Michigan Army National Guard, where he is 
responsible for policy direction and management of the Michigan Army 
National Guard health service system.
  In addition to the Colonel's long list of accomplishments, he and his 
wife, Sarah have raised two wonderful daughters, Brielle and Brooke, in 
Mattawan, Michigan. Sarah and Eric met at Western Michigan University 
right here in Southwest Michigan many years ago and together they have 
grown as a family and helped grow our community with their many 
successes.
  I congratulate Colonel Kennedy. His retirement is well deserved, and 
I look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.

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