[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20182]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO COLONEL CHARLES J. FIALA, JR., COMMANDER, BALTIMORE ENGINEER 
                 DISTRICT, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

 Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I want to pay tribute today to 
Colonel Charles Fiala, Commander and District Engineer of the Baltimore 
District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. COL Fiala is retiring after a 
distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Army, and I would like to take 
this opportunity to congratulate him and commend him for his many years 
of service to our Nation.
  Chuck Fiala graduated from West Point in 1978 and has served in 
numerous staff and command positions here in the United States and 
abroad. Beginning as combat engineer platoon leader with the 194th 
Armored Brigade in Fort Knox, KY he quickly rose through the ranks. 
Among other assignments he commanded C Company, 11th Engineer Battalion 
at Fort Belvoir; served as Executive Officer in U.S. Army Headquarters 
Europe in Heidelberg, Germany; and worked in the Pentagon for the 
Office of the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff. During the 
course of his career, Chuck earned a master's degree in civil 
engineering from Purdue University and was also awarded a master's 
degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War 
College.
  I came to know COL Fiala 3 years ago when he was first selected as 
Commander and District Engineer of the Baltimore District, U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers, and have had the privilege of working closely with 
him on a number of water resource, environmental restoration, and 
military construction initiatives in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic 
region. Chuck has continued the tradition of outstanding leadership 
that has been the hallmark of the Baltimore District. Under his 
leadership, numerous military construction and civil works projects 
were initiated or completed including the Baltimore Harbor Anchorages 
Project, the straightening of the Tolchester Channel ``S'' Turn, the 
improvements to the Brewerton Channel and the construction of military 
housing at Fort Meade, to name only a few. Similarly, he directed and 
oversaw several critical environmental restoration projects including 
the cleanup of Fort Detrick's chemical and biological waste landfill, 
the restoration of the north end of Assateague Island National 
Seashore, the Chesapeake Bay oyster recovery effort, and 10 habitat 
restoration sites in the Anacostia River.
  During his 25-year career in the Army, COL Fiala repeatedly 
demonstrated exceptional abilities and dedication that have earned him 
recognition and acclaim by his peers. He has been the recipient of many 
awards and decorations including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious 
Service Medal, the Army Commendation medal, and the Parachute Badge. 
His work ethic and principles of responsibility, reliability, and 
dedication will continue to serve as a standard for others who follow 
him as District Engineer.
  It is my firm conviction that public service is one of the most 
honorable callings, one that demands the very best, most dedicated 
efforts of those who have the opportunity to serve their fellow 
citizens and country. Throughout his career Chuck Fiala has exemplified 
a steadfast commitment to meeting this demand.
  I want to extend my personal congratulations and thanks for his hard 
work and dedication and wish him and his family the best of luck in the 
future.

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