[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING COLONEL CHARLES L. DECKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED 
                     STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 2, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Charles L. 
Decker as he retires from the United States Army after a distinguished 
military career. Colonel Decker served as the inaugural Commander of 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District, and I want to 
thank him for taking on this mission during a time of transition and 
growth for the district's operations in our region.
  Throughout his military career, Colonel Decker has served with 
professionalism and dedication. His education, including a Master of 
Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford 
University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from 
Clarkson University, prepared him well for the duties he faithfully 
executed. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer and a Project 
Management Institute certified Project Management Professional.
  Colonel Decker's military record reflects his unwavering commitment 
to service. His education and training, spanning the Naval Civil 
Engineer Corps Officer School, the Command and General Staff Officer 
Course, Airborne training, and the Special Warfare Center and School, 
demonstrates his dedication to professional development. His military 
decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak 
Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf 
Cluster, illustrate his contributions to his organization and his 
peers.
  Colonel Decker accepted command of the Caribbean District as a newly 
established operation, and he has managed that transition with 
competence and professionalism. We are grateful for his willingness to 
serve in this capacity and for the leadership he has provided to the 
organization.
  On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I wish Colonel Decker well as 
he enters this next chapter of his life. We thank him for his service 
to our country and for answering the call to lead the Caribbean 
District during its formative years. I extend my best wishes to him and 
to his family.

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