Washington, D.C. - Mr. Speaker, today I rise to thank Charles S. Serio, COL, MSC, USA, Ph.D, Brigade Commander of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) for his tremendous service to our country.  On September 7, 2005, Col. Serio marked the end of eight years of service at USUHS, and concluded a 37-year career of Federal service.

 Col. Serio was born on August 26, 1946, and graduated from his home-state University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, in 1969.  He earned his Master Degree in 1973 and completed his Doctoral Degree in Immunology in 1975.  He is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
 

Among his numerous awards and decorations are the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the National Defense Service Award, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.   Col. Serio has also earned the following badges, which denote operational expertise: Airborne, Air Assault, Expert Field Medical, and German Troop Proficiency Duty (Gold).

He was awarded the "A" Proficiency Designator in Immunology by the Army Surgeon General, the highest award given in recognition of professional accomplishment by the United States Army Medical Department.  He was also selected as a member of the "Order of the Military Medical Merit," which denotes distinguished service as recognized by the senior leadership of the Army Medical Department.  Col. Serio is the author of numerous scientific publications in immunology and radiobiology in both national and international journals. 

His career includes positions of responsibility such as: the Detachment Commander, 330th General Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee; Clinical Laboratory Officer and Bacteriologist with the 326th Medical Detachment, 801st General Hospital, Chicago, Illinois; Chief of the Immunology Branch, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas; Microbiology Consultant to the Commanding General, 7th MEDCOM; Staff Officer and Manager of Science and Technology, Medical Research and Material Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland; and, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York.

In June of 1997, Col. Serio was selected to serve as the 4th Brigade Commander at USUHS.  As the Brigade Commander, Col. Serio was recognized as the senior officer of the University with responsibility for command of over 1,000 members of the USUHS Brigade, representing the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service.  Col. Serio served as the senior military advisor to the President of USUHS for 8 years.  During his service as the USUHS Brigade Commander, he became an invaluable asset as a role model, teacher and mentor to over 1,500 uniformed medical, nursing, and graduate students.  Col. Serio provided lectures to the USUHS medical and nursing students in pathophysiology, immunology, biological warfare, and military leadership.  He created a recognized Brigade command structure and curriculum in support of the USUHS mission, implemented military unique and significant programs and internationally recognized field training exercises, annually coordinated the USUHS graduation ceremonies, monitored the USUHS strategic goal on military leadership development, and annually exceeded the University's goals in the Combined Federal Campaigns.
 

His longstanding role as a soldier, scientist, educator, and leader in both undergraduate and graduate education has supported and ensured medical readiness during more than one global conflict.  USUHS is recognized as the most cost-effective and qualified source for the recruitment and development of uniformed officers who will hold significant leadership and operational positions throughout the Military Health System.  Col. Serio can be assured that his influence and leadership have greatly assisted the future patients and command officers who will be served by the uniquely trained USUHS graduates - physicians, advanced practice nurses, and scientists.  The University fulfills a critical core requirement for medical readiness in the Department of Defense; and, Col. Serio has greatly contributed to the preparation of dedicated, career-oriented uniformed officers who will care for those who are sent into harm's way.

I take this opportunity to thank Col. Charles Serio for his tremendous dedication and love for our Nation and wish him well as he retires to begin his next demanding career as a grandfather to his five grandchildren along with his three daughters, Shanna, Jada and Tara, and his wife, the former Belva L. McCormick.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.