[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 12528] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO COLONEL THOMAS H. MAGNESS IV ______ HON. KEN CALVERT of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 30, 2010 Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to southern California are exceptional. Southern California has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Colonel Thomas Magness IV is one such individual. On July 1, 2010, Colonel Magness will be honored at the Change of Command Ceremony as the 58th Commander, Los Angeles District, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Colonel Magness was born in Fort Campbell, KY. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and began serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. He later earned a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His professional military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses and the Command and General Staff College. Colonel Magness has served in the 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX; the 1st Armored Division in Germany; and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX. He has been a platoon leader, battalion supply officer, company commander, and battalion operations officer. He deployed with the 1st Armored Division as part of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Colonel Magness served as the District Commander for the Detroit District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Prior to coming to Los Angeles, Colonel Magness was a Senior Service College Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin. Colonel Magness has served as an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at West Point. He has also served two tours as an observer/controller (trainer) at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA where he led the Sidewinder team, preparing engineer and maneuver support units and their leaders for combat operations. Colonel Thomas H. Magness assumed command of the Los Angeles District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on July 10, 2007. Upon assuming command of the Los Angeles District, Colonel Magness understood the importance of managing water resources in a more comprehensive manner. Working closely with local watershed stakeholders, Colonel Magness took an innovative and forward looking approach to developing Corps of Engineers water resource projects. Among his many accomplishments while Commander, Colonel Magness played a significant role in advancing the construction of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project, which is one of the largest Corps of Engineers projects in the Nation. When completed, the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project will provide Orange County with dramatically enhanced flood protection. Colonel Magness' military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and the Army Commendation Medal (four awards). He has been awarded the Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Ranger Tab. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is an Accredited Professional for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Colonel Magness is married to the former Michelle Carnes of Killeen, Texas. They have two daughters, Jenna and Shelby. Colonel Magness' tireless commitment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and his role as Commander of the Los Angeles District has contributed immensely to the betterment of southern California. I am proud to call Colonel Magness a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many people are grateful for his service and salute him as he completes his tour as the 58th Commander, Los Angeles District, for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I also wish him well as he assumes command on July 8, 2010 to help rebuild northern Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. ____________________