[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 109 (Friday, June 28, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING COMMANDING OFFICER, COLONEL MICHAEL L. BROOKS' CAREER AT 
                       MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 28, 2024

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Colonel Michael L. 
Brooks for a successful three-year tour as commanding officer of Marine 
Corps Base Quantico.
  A native Virginian, Colonel Brooks' thirty-six years of honorable 
service to our country began when he enlisted in the United States 
Marine Corps in 1988. From his first assignment as the operations clerk 
in the S-3 office at Camp Lejeune to his tour as the commanding officer 
of Marine Corps Base Quantico, his dedication to the Marine Corps 
mission is unwavering.
  Colonel Brooks has deployed to support various military operations 
during his career. In 1990 and 1991, he deployed in support of 
Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was then deployed to Iraq 
in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, participated in the July 2006 
evacuation of American citizens in Beirut, Lebanon, and assisted in 
operations Infinite Moonlight in Jordan and Inspired Union in Kuwait.
  Throughout his service, his commitment to his education and 
leadership has never wavered. In 1992, he was assigned to Officer 
Candidate School at Quantico, the very base he would lead thirty years 
later. Before finishing his tour with 2d Marines, Colonel Brooks earned 
a degree in psychology from Campbell University. In 2011, then-Major 
Brooks attended Resident Command and Staff College in Quantico and soon 
after was selected to attend the Army War College in Carlisle, 
Pennsylvania.
  Since assuming command of Marine Corps Base Quantico in 2021, Colonel 
Brooks has contributed to the base's distinction as the nation's 
premiere training institution for the Marine Corps. His contributions 
will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact not only on the base, but on 
the wider region. He prioritized strengthening vital relationships in 
the community and presided over the installation's $6.96 billion total 
economic impact, all while upholding the base's proud traditions set 
forth over one hundred years ago.
  Throughout his service, Colonel Brooks has earned numerous 
decorations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal (3d award), Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation Medal (5th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy 
and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3d award), and the Combat Action 
Ribbon.
  Colonel Brooks is the true embodiment of the USMC's slogan Semper 
Fidelis. I thank him for his tireless commitment to protecting our 
nation and commend him for the positive example his leadership has set 
for all of us throughout his long and distinguished military career.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
thanking Colonel Michael L. Brooks for his steadfast and unwavering 
service to our country, and in wishing him the best as he takes the 
next step in his career at his last duty station in New Orleans.

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