Recognizing Command Master Chief Petty Officer Alvin J. Veenstra for His Retirement From the Navy Reserves Seabees

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Command Master Chief Petty Officer Alvin J. Veenstra for his retirement from the Navy Reserves Seabees. Through his more than thirty years of excellence and commitment to service, CMDCM Veenstra has become an indispensable part of Michigan's First District.

The United States Naval Construction Battalions, more commonly known as the Navy Seabees, have a storied history in the United States Armed Forces--stretching from Normandy and Okinawa to Iraq and Afghanistan. Alvin decided to follow in this tradition of service early in his life, enlisting in the United States Navy, Sea, and Air Mariner program during his sophomore year of college. He carried out a variety of roles throughout his 32 years with the Seabees--including deployment with the 7th Naval Construction Regiment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as the Senior Watch Chief for the II Marine Expeditionary Force. On September 6, 2019, Veenstra turned over his final command position as the Reserve Affairs Command Master Chief at Navy Facilities Engineering Command in Washington, D.C. Outside of his service in the military, Alvin is a graduate of Ferris State University and serves as Project Manager/Executive Assistant for W.B. Builders in East Jordan. Alvin's more than three decades of decorated service is commendable, and the impact of his work on his fellow servicemembers and the people of the United States cannot be overstated.

Madam Speaker, it's my honor to congratulate Command Master Chief Petty Officer Alvin Veenstra for his decades of service to the people of the United States. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Alvin all the best in his future endeavors.

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