[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17493]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO COL MICHAEL J. JENSEN

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a truly 
exceptional Iowan. After more than 31 years of honorable military 
service, in November of this year, COL Michael J. Jensen is set to 
retire. His dedication and tireless devotion to the service of our 
great country is without question. I extend my heartfelt 
congratulations to COL Mike Jensen.
  Colonel Jensen was born in Estherville, IA. He attended and graduated 
from Estherville Community High School in 1975, received an associate 
of science degree in computer science from Iowa Lakes Community 
College, a bachelor of arts degree in business management from Buena 
Vista University, and a master's degree in public administration from 
Drake University. Colonel Jensen also attended General Staff College, 
where he was the distinguished honor graduate.
  Mike Jensen enlisted in C Battery 1st Battalion 194th Field Artillery 
on June 14th, 1979. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, Field 
Artillery, in June 1982 and graduated from the Iowa Military Academy 
Officer Candidate School at Camp Dodge in Johnston, IA. Duty 
assignments over his career include a number of positions in the 1-
194th Field Artillery, 34th Infantry Division; Recruiting and 
Retention; the Secretary of General Staff; and Director of Military 
Support. In 2006, Colonel Jensen assumed his current position as the 
Commander of the Counterdrug Task Force, Iowa National Guard.
  Over his admirable military career, Mike Jensen received a number of 
awards and decorations, including seven awards of the Meritorious 
Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, 
the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement 
Medal. Colonel Jensen is also an accomplished outdoorsman and avid 
fisherman.
  Congratulations again to COL Michael Jensen. The Iowa National Guard 
will no doubt miss his daily contributions; however he continues as a 
model of honorable and distinguished service to his country. I thank 
him for his unwavering commitment to Iowa and to the United States of 
America.

                          ____________________