[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32650]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          CAPTAIN BOB BERNAZAL

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, in July of 2008, a courageous 
mission was undertaken to rescue 15 hostages who were being held by the 
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as FARC. Three of these 
hostages were American civilians. The operation was code named, 
Operation Willing Spirit, a perfect description of the valor 
demonstrated by all of the rescuers involved. Captain Bob Bernazal, a 
Kingwood, Texas native, was especially vital to the success of the 
operation in his role as the Information Operations Integration 
Strategy Division chief of the 612th Air Operations Center.
  Captain Bernazal's ability and dedication was clearly shown through 
his comprehensive planning of Operation Willing Spirit. The nine-year 
Air Force veteran has proved a fine example of the aptitude of our 
Armed Forces by ensuring mission success.
  He is praised by his superiors as an outstanding Information 
Operations expert, and is recognized for the development and 
implementation of a plan for utilizing IO duty officers. We are 
fortunate to have great men like Capt. Bob Bernazal at our side to 
outwit our enemies and protect our nation.
  It is with great pride and admiration that the Second District of 
Texas is able to commend Captain Bernazal as the Air Force-level 
Outstanding Information Operations Active Duty Company Grade Officer of 
the Year. This Kingwood, Texas native is truly deserving of this award 
as well as the respect of our nation. We thank him for his service. He 
is a great Texan and a true hero.

                          ____________________