The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MAJOR GENERAL BRIAN J. MENNES FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
DURING HIS TENURE AT FORT DRUM
______
HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK
of new york
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 16, 2021
Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General Brian J. Mennes for his service to the United States of America over the course of his 33-year career with the U.S. Army and his two years in command of Fort Drum in Northern New York, which I proudly represent.
Major General Mennes graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 1988 and immediately commissioned into the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. Since then, MG Mennes has deployed three times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and five times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to leading the famed 10th Mountain Division, MG Mennes has also served in the storied 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. A highly decorated officer, MG Mennes is known for his exceptional leadership skills, commitment to his soldiers and families, and ability to cultivate a supportive community. MG Mennes easily fit into the culture of the North Country and leaves Fort Drum after changing it for the better.
During his tenure at Fort Drum, Major General Mennes was influential in ensuring his soldiers were combat-ready while building a strong support system within the community. He led the 10th Mountain Division through an Afghanistan deployment and drawdown as the U.S. prepares to bring our troops home after nearly twenty years in the country. In addition, MG Mennes has faced unprecedented challenges in commanding Fort Drum through the Coronavirus pandemic where he was responsible for the lives, health, and safety of thousands of soldiers, families, and civilians.
On behalf of New York's 2lst district and the entire Fort Drum community, I would like to thank Major General Mennes for his exceptional leadership and continued investment in his community. I congratulate him on his achievements thus far and wish him the best of luck during his next assignment at Joint Base Lewis--McChord, Washington.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 125
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