[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16444]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAJOR BISHOP SPARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Major Bishop 
Sparks, of the United States Army for his extraordinary dedication to 
duty and service to our nation. Major Sparks distinguished himself 
through exceptionally meritorious service from January 6, 2014 to 
December 15, 2016, while serving as a Legislative Liaison for the Army 
House Liaison Division.
  Major Sparks was instrumental in developing strategic relationships 
with Members of Congress and their staffs throughout the 114th Congress 
as a Legislative Liaison to the House of Representatives. His expertise 
proved critical in providing requisite support for Army and DoD 
initiatives. Through these relationships he ensured Congressional 
decision makers had accurate and timely information on Army programs, 
policies and priorities; his hard work directly impacted future defense 
legislation and built upon the Army's equities.
  Major Bishop Sparks is a native of West Palm Beach, Florida. Bishop 
enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2003 as the Fire 
Direction Specialist (13P). Bishop graduated from Concordia University 
Wisconsin with a degree in Justice and Public Policy and was 
commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2006.
  After completion of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Major 
Sparks was assigned to the 2-2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry 
Division, Fort Hood, Texas. While assigned to 2-2nd Infantry Regiment, 
Major Sparks served as a Company Fire Support Officer. Major Sparks was 
later assigned to 1-6th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division. While 
assigned to 1-6th Field Artillery, Major Sparks served as a Platoon 
Leader and Executive Officer deploying in support of OPERATION ENDURING 
FREEDOM from July 2008 through July 2009.
  In 2009, Major Sparks attended the Field Artillery Captain's Career 
Course (FACCC). After graduating the FACCC, Major Sparks was assigned 
to 1-12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division where he served as a 
Battalion Fire Support Officer and deployed in support of OPERATION NEW 
DAWN in January 2011. While deployed, Major Sparks assumed command of 
Bravo Battery, 2-82nd Field Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division.
  Following battery command, Captain Sparks attended George Washington 
University earning a master's degree in Legislative Affairs and served 
as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4). Bishop 
currently serves as a Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Chief, 
Legislative Liaison (OCLL).
  Bishop's military education includes the Field Artillery Officer 
Basic Course, Ranger School, Joint Fire Power Course, Tactical 
Information Officer Course, the Field Artillery Captain's Career 
Course, and Airborne School. Bishop also graduated from Liberty 
University with a master's degree in Business Management and 
Leadership.
  Major Sparks' awards include the Bronze Star Medal with 1 Oak Leaf 
Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal Army 
Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service 
Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Medal (Expeditionary), Global War on Terrorism Medal 
(Service), Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, 
Parachutist Badge, and the Ranger Tab,
  Major Sparks' professionalism and high standards of duty improved 
relations between the Army and the House of Representatives. Major 
Sparks' leadership, initiative and truly outstanding performance 
contributed immeasurably to maintaining the Army's enduring, positive 
relationship with Congress and advancing the Army's top priorities, 
bringing distinct credit upon him, the Office of the Chief of 
Legislative Liaison, and the United States Army.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the selfless service of 
Major Bishop Sparks as he proceeds to the next chapter in his 
remarkable career and continues to serve our great Nation.

                          ____________________