[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E889-E890]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES ARMY CAPTAIN MIKE RETZLAFF

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2025

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
distinguished service of Captain Mike Retzlaff, a proud veteran of the 
United States Army whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to duty 
reflect the highest traditions of military service.
  Born and raised in Holly, Michigan, Captain Retzlaff pursued higher 
education at Cedarville University, where he earned a Bachelor of 
Science degree in Exercise Science and completed the Army ROTC program. 
In 2017, he was commissioned as an Armor Officer in the United States 
Army, marking the beginning of a career of honorable service to our 
Nation.
  Captain Retzlaff's first assignment was as a Tank Platoon Leader with 
3rd Platoon, Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment at 
Fort Carson, Colorado. In 2019, he deployed to Kuwait in support of 
Operation Spartan Shield, where his leadership made a significant 
contribution to the mission's success. Upon returning, he served as the 
Headquarters Company Executive Officer, managing company operations, 
resources, and readiness. His performance and dedication during this 
period earned him induction into the prestigious Order of St. George.
  Following his time at Fort Carson, Captain Retzlaff attended the 
Maneuver Captain's Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating 
in 2022. He was then assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 16th Cavalry 
Regiment, where he served as an Armor Basic Officer Leader Course 
(ABOLC) Tactics Instructor, training the next generation of Army 
leaders.
  In August 2022, Captain Retzlaff assumed command of Lightning Troop, 
2nd Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment. As Troop Commander, he led more 
than 100 soldiers and was responsible for executing live-fire gunnery 
training for all new Armor Officers in the United States Army--an 
essential mission he carried out with distinction.
  Upon completion of command, Captain Retzlaff returned home to 
Michigan, where he served at the Detroit Military Entrance Processing 
Station. During his tenure, he enlisted more than 1,000 applicants into 
their respective branches of service, shaping the future of America's 
Armed Forces.
  Over the course of his military career, Captain Retzlaff completed 
numerous schools, including the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course, the 
Army Reconnaissance Course, Air Assault School, the Advanced 
Situational Awareness Course, the Maneuver Leaders Maintenance Course, 
and the Maneuver Captain's Career Course. His service has been 
recognized with the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, 
and several other awards and decorations. He is also a proud Silver 
Spur holder and recipient of the Order of St. George.
  Mr. Speaker, Captain Retzlaff's career reflects a legacy of 
leadership, professionalism, and patriotism. His service to our Nation 
has strengthened our armed forces and inspired those who served 
alongside him. It is my

[[Page E890]]

honor to recognize his contributions and extend our deepest gratitude 
for his dedication to the United States of America.

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