HONORING COLONEL CHARLES L. DECKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

On 2026-07-02, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING COLONEL CHARLES L. DECKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS" in the House.

HONORING COLONEL CHARLES L. DECKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E650] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING COLONEL CHARLES L. DECKER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Charles L. Decker as he retires from the United States Army after a distinguished military career. Colonel Decker served as the inaugural Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Caribbean District, and I want to thank him for taking on this mission during a time of transition and growth for the district's operations in our region. Throughout his military career, Colonel Decker has served with professionalism and dedication. His education, including a Master of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University, prepared him well for the duties he faithfully executed. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer and a Project Management Institute certified Project Management Professional. Colonel Decker's military record reflects his unwavering commitment to service. His education and training, spanning the Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officer School, the Command and General Staff Officer Course, Airborne training, and the Special Warfare Center and School, demonstrates his dedication to professional development. His military decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, illustrate his contributions to his organization and his peers. Colonel Decker accepted command of the Caribbean District as a newly established operation, and he has managed that transition with competence and professionalism. We are grateful for his willingness to serve in this capacity and for the leadership he has provided to the organization. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I wish Colonel Decker well as he enters this next chapter of his life. We thank him for his service to our country and for answering the call to lead the Caribbean District during its formative years. I extend my best wishes to him and to his family. ____________________