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Rep. Ron Kind

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Navy Lieutenant Commander Dan Rieken, a native of Prescott, Wisconsin, who has led a distinguished career in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for more than 20 years.

LCDR Rieken first enlisted in the Navy as a Fire Controlman in 1984. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1991, LCDR Rieken was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy and has helped plan and manage ballistic missile defense programs, assisted in overseeing efforts to ensure the security and reliability of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command's through the Y2K transition.

Later, LCDR Rieken graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 2003 and then received his Masters from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2004. Today, LCDR Rieken serves in the White House Communications Agency as a Presidential Communications Officer, System Engineer, and Program Manager for acquisitions, modernization, and future systems design.

On August 1, 2010, LCDR Rieken will retire from the United States Navy. His dedication to serving his country has been unwavering, regardless of party or ideology. He has worked to strengthen our country's security as our nation transitioned out of the Cold War era and into the Post-September 11th era. I congratulate LCDR Rieken on his retirement and thank him for his dedication to the safety and security of our country.