[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 37 (Thursday, February 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E195-E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COLONEL ELVERT L. GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CORI BUSH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 29, 2024

  Ms. BUSH. Mr. Speaker, I, along with the people of St. Louis, rise 
today to honor the exceptional career of Colonel Elvert L. Gardner. 
This March, Col. Gardner will retire with over 30 years of active duty 
military service.
  Col. Gardner is a St. Louis native who graduated from Cardinal Ritter 
College Prep High School in 1988. He was commissioned in May 1993 
through the Reserved Officer Training Corps at the distinguished 
Detachment 015, Tuskegee University, home of the Tuskegee Airmen. Upon 
receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant in 1993, Col. Gardner 
spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force before transferring to the U.S. 
Space Force. In 2015, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, further 
signifying his excellent leadership and resolve.
  As the Director of Space Strategy, Policy, and Plans at U.S. Space 
Force headquarters and the Pentagon, Col. Gardner consistently 
dedicated himself to supporting national security objectives. Other 
examples of his commitment to supporting our Nation include his roles

[[Page E196]]

as Space Force Service Chair, National Security Studies Department 
Chair, and Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School for National 
Security and Resource Strategy. In each of these positions, Col. 
Gardner has distinguished himself as an individual who leads with full 
intention to serve the community at large.
  Col. Gardner has demonstrated exceptional leadership, courage, 
perseverance, and hope throughout his career. His retirement is a well-
earned milestone over the course of his professional life. We thank 
Col. Gardner for his remarkable service to our country, and I know his 
beloved niece, our dear sister and friend, Cora Faith Walker, would be 
incredibly proud of her uncle and his outstanding career. On behalf of 
Missouri's First District, I send my heartfelt congratulations to Col. 
Gardner on his retirement after 30 years of service in the U.S. 
military.

                          ____________________