[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8752]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF COLONEL JOSEPH A. SIMONELLI, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2014

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
meritorious service of Colonel Joseph A. Simonelli, Jr., who will 
transfer in June from the Secretary of Defense's Office of Legislative 
Affairs.
  Prior to his tenure in Legislative Affairs, Colonel Simonelli has 
already had a long and distinguished career in the United States Army. 
Upon graduation from the United States Military Academy, he received 
his commission in 1987 as an Air Defense Artillery officer. He served 
27 years with great distinction in the field and in command. Prior to 
his work in the Secretary's office, he was the Garrison Commander at 
Fort Bliss, Texas. He also served as the Director of Operations for the 
Multi-National Security Transition Command (Iraq) and the Executive 
Assistant to the Vice Director of the Joint Staff's Director of 
Operations.
  Colonel Simonelli is no stranger to the halls and offices of Capitol 
Hill, having spent the last two years in Legislative Affairs as the 
Director of House Affairs and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of 
Defense for House Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 
for Legislative Affairs (OASD-LA).
  His character, capabilities, and good humor enabled him to interact 
effectively with Members of Congress and their staffs and other 
Executive agencies under the most strenuous circumstances. Colonel 
Simonelli's work ultimately led to successful legislative outcomes on a 
wide range of issues critical to our national defense and to the 
enhancement of the lives of the country's military men and women.
  Colonel Simonelli represents what our military seeks in a 
congressional liaison and officer in uniform. His dedication to 
service, commitment to excellence, and performance of duty have been 
extraordinary throughout his career and most recently in the Office of 
Legislative Affairs. I am proud to share in the celebration of Colonel 
Simonelli's tour on Capitol Hill, and I join his colleagues in honoring 
his distinguished service.
  Colonel Simonelli was supported, encouraged, and nurtured by a strong 
and loving wife, I would like to recognize his wife, Bettye Marie. As 
he goes on to pursue new endeavors and challenges as the Chief of Staff 
of the Arlington National Military Cemeteries, I wish Colonel Simonelli 
and his family well.

                          ____________________