[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E345-E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING VERNON L. MICHAEL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2025

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Vernon L. 
Michael for his 40 years of outstanding Federal service both as a 
military member of the United States Navy, and as a civilian for the 
Department of the Navy (DON) Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
  Mr. Michael enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1984 under the 
delayed entry program and began his active-duty naval career in January 
1985. Upon completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, 
Orlando, Florida, he successfully completed Yeoman ``A'' School, 
graduating with honors, followed by his first duty assignment to the 
pre-commissioning unit for USS Missouri (BB 63) for which he became a 
plankowner. Over the next 23 years, Mr. Michael served in a variety of 
operational and staff assignments including sea tours aboard USS Duluth 
(LPD 6) and USS Seattle (AOE 3). Staff/shore assignments included 
Personnel Support Activity Detachment, San Antonio, Texas; the Office 
of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of 
the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); and DON OGC. 
Throughout his naval career, Mr. Michael served in numerous leadership 
positions and was awarded multiple personal, service, and unit awards. 
He retired from active duty in August 2008 in the grade of Chief Yeoman 
(E-7).

[[Page E346]]

  In December 2008, Mr. Michael was appointed to the position of 
Special Assistant for Administrative Matters in DON OGC. In this role, 
he directly supports the General Counsel of the Navy (GC), a 
Presidentially Appointed, Senate-confirmed official, and the Principal 
Deputy General Counsel (PDGC). He is the recognized subject matter 
expert on all DON and Department of Defense administrative matters and 
functional areas to include oversight of correspondence and the 
electronic records programs, personnel and physical security, and 
protocol. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Michael consistently 
exceeded expectations and provided unmatched support to nine GC's, 
seven PDGCs, and various other senior executives within the DON and 
OGC. For his contributions, he received two DON Meritorious Civilian 
Service awards.
  For these reasons, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing Mr. Vernon L. Michael as he retires from Federal service.

                          ____________________