[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22902]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. LEHNERT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the United States 
Marine Corps are exceptional. For more than thirty-five years this man 
has served our nation in the most outstanding and dedicated manner. On 
the occasion of his retirement, I feel it only right to recognize the 
magnificent service Major General Michael R. Lehnert has performed for 
our country.
  Major General Lehnert graduated from Central Michigan University in 
1973 with an undergraduate degree in History and commissioned a Second 
Lieutenant through the PLC program. After attending the Marine Officers 
Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, he was transferred to Camp Lejeune, 
North Carolina. Assignments at Camp Lejeune included engineer platoon 
commander and maintenance officer LSU-32 and S-4, H&S Battalion, 2nd 
FSSG. Assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion in Okinawa Japan, he 
served as Bn Operations Officer and finished his tour as commander 
Company A, 9th Engineers.
  In 1977, he was ordered to Marine Barracks, Subic Bay, Republic of 
the Philippines as the Operations Officer. In 1978, he took command of 
Company A, Marine Barracks, Subic Bay. In 1979, Major General Lehnert 
attended the U.S. Army Advanced Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, 
Virginia. After graduation, he served as Executive Officer, USMC 
Recruiting Station, San Antonio, Texas. He was transferred to Camp 
Pendleton, California in 1983 and held the following assignments from 
1983 to 1986. Company Commander, Company C, 1st Landing Support 
Battalion Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 11 
Commanding Officer, Combat Service Support Detachment 16 Executive 
Officer, MAU Service Support Group 17 Landing Force Support Party Cdr, 
BSSG 7 MEF Engineer, First Marine Amphibious Force.
  In 1987, he was selected for Armed Forces Staff College. After 
graduation, he was assigned to the United States Southern Command in 
the J-3 Operations Directorate as Chief, Central American Exercise 
Branch. During the Panama crisis, he participated in Operation Just 
Cause and Operation Promote Liberty. Major General Lehnert was 
reassigned in 1990 as Inspector-Instructor, 6th Engineer Support 
Battalion, Portland, Oregon. He was selected for top level school, 
completed the Naval War College in 1993 and was awarded a masters 
degree in International and Strategic Studies.
  In 1993, he was assigned to the Joint Warfighting Center in Norfolk, 
Virginia where he served as the Chief of the Futures Branch, Doctrine 
Division. In 1995, he reported to 2d MAW and participated in Operation 
Sea Signal, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as Commander, Joint Task Group 
Bulkeley, JTF 160, where he commanded the security forces responsible 
for operation of Cuban and Haitian migrant camps. Major General Lehnert 
commanded Marine Wing Support Group 27 at Cherry Point, North Carolina 
from 23 May 1996 to 28 May 1998. He was reassigned as the Deputy Chief 
of Staff, G-4 II MEF. In 1999, he deployed to Panama as the Chief of 
Staff, Joint Task Force Panama to oversee the final turnover of the 
Canal and the remaining military bases.
  His first tour as a general officer was at Headquarters Marine Corps, 
where he served as the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations 
and Logistics. He took command of 2d Force Service Support Group in 
July 2001 and in January 2002, he deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as 
Commander, Joint Task Force 160. JTF 160's mission was to construct and 
operate the detention facilities for Taliban and Al Queda detainees. In 
2003, he deployed with the 2d FSSG to the CENTCOM theater and 
participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom as Commander, Marine Logistics 
Command. His most recent assignment was as Chief of Staff, United 
States Southern Command, Miami, Florida.
  Decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal with one oak 
leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with Gold Star, the Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Navy 
Commendation Medal with gold star and the Navy Achievement Medal.
  Major General Lehnert has consistently shown genuine concern for 
those who serve in his command, regularly placing their comfort and 
support above his own. He and his wife, Denise, are a prototype for 
general officers who have the honor to follow them in command.
  On the occasion of his retirement, and on behalf of the people of the 
United States whom he has served with courage and honor, we commemorate 
the exceptional service of Major General Michael R. Lehnert.

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