[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8026]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING COLONEL GREG SCHANNEP, USA, RETIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 1, 2015

  Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Greg 
Schannep, USA, Retired. As a man of deep faith, he knows that scripture 
tells us, ``And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season 
we will reap, if we do not give up.'' Greg has brought these powerful 
words to life throughout his career as a servant of God, the Army, and 
his fellow man.
  Greg was born in El Segundo, California and first served in the U.S. 
Army from 1965 to 1967. He was among the elite Special Forces at Fort 
Bragg before being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. 
Education was next on his agenda. While he holds a Bachelor's Degree in 
Marketing from Northern Arizona University, Greg's lasting faith led 
him to pursue a Master's Degree in Theology from Fuller Theological 
Seminary in California.
  Greg couldn't resist the call to serve and, after completing his 
education, returned to active duty in 1977 as an Army Chaplain. There 
are no closed doors to a chaplain in the military and Greg was as 
welcome among his fellow officers as he was among the enlisted. His 
life experience, Special Forces background, and pastoral skills made 
him a blessing to the Army family. He served as a Chaplain for twenty-
nine years, retiring in 2004 at the rank of Colonel.
  Most would use the passing of one career as an opportunity to enjoy a 
well-deserved rest. Yet Greg's need to serve led him to, within days of 
his military retirement ceremony, start a new career as my liaison to 
Fort Hood. It's a role he is uniquely suited for as he understands both 
the importance of the mission at The Great Place and the unique culture 
that sustains our warriors there. He's been a steady, calming presence 
through times both good and bad for the thousands of brave warriors 
stationed at one of the world's largest military bases.
  Greg's genial nature is equaled only by his hard-earned wisdom from 
years of ministry. He knows there are two sides to every story and that 
everyone deserves to have their voice heard. This has proven invaluable 
as he's worked tirelessly on behalf of his beloved Fort Hood and the 
people of Central Texas. His patient and positive attitude remains a 
source of strength and inspiration for both friends and colleagues.
  Yet through it all, family remains the center of his life. He is 
married to the former Martha (Marty) E. Haley. Greg's six children know 
him has a devoted and loving dad to them and a proud grandfather to his 
seven grandchildren.
  Greg Schannep signs all his emails with the stirring words Pro Deo et 
Patria (``Still Serving God and Country''). All who've been blessed by 
his presence know that to him this isn't a meaningless expression but a 
deep and lasting creed that has been the guiding force of his life.
  Greg's been a trusted advisor, superb public servant, and vital part 
of Team Carter. I join my staff in wishing him a well-deserved 
retirement and nothing but the best in the years ahead.

                          ____________________