[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14064-14065]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER MICHAEL A. NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. E. SCOTT RIGELL

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2013

  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to 
Chief Petty Officer Michael A. Nelson, United States Navy, on the 
occasion of his transfer from the U.S. House of Representatives Liaison 
Office for the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, 
while serving as Legislative Chief. I, and many other members of this 
chamber have had the pleasure of working with him over the past four 
years, and I am honored to commend Chief Nelson's achievements and 
recognize his service and devotion to our great nation.
  Every day he served in direct support of not only the Navy's Office 
of Legislative Affairs, but every Member of Congress. His keen 
abilities in organization, interpersonal relationships, and 
communication were extremely critical to the successful accomplishment 
of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs mission of serving the U.S. 
Congress.
  While serving in the Liaison office, Chief Nelson routinely turned 
broad guidance into action, which energized the Office of Legislative 
Affairs and Members of Congress alike. His actions allowed the Navy to 
engage Members of Congress and their staffs, directly facilitating the 
increased emphasis on improving congressional relationships.
  During Chief Nelson's tour, he accomplished the full spectrum of the 
Navy's legislative mission. He exemplified the candor and knowledge 
that we have come to expect from the

[[Page 14065]]

Navy and he played a key role in maintaining superb relationships 
between the Navy and the House of Representatives.
  Throughout his tour, Chief Nelson effectively responded to several 
thousand congressional inquiries, many of which gained national level 
attention. During his time on Capitol Hill, Chief Nelson successfully 
planned, coordinated, and escorted over 50 international and domestic 
congressional and staff delegations. His detailed coordination with 
foreign government officials, U.S. State Department, and senior 
military officials ensured that each delegation was conducted 
professionally and flawlessly. His attention to detail and anticipation 
of requirements allowed Representatives to focus on fact-finding and 
gleaning new insights to make informed critical decisions to support 
the interests of the people of the United States. He has made lasting 
contributions to the House of Representatives and for that I am 
eternally gratefully.
  I wish Chief Nelson continued success and fulfillment as he 
transitions to his next duty station. His loyal dedication to duty 
reflects the highest standards of Naval Service.

                          ____________________