Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor BG William Terpeluk. BG William Terpeluk will complete his term as Deputy Commander for the 77th Regional Readiness Command this month. He served from 31 March 2001-30 March 2005, which included valuable service during the events of September 11, 2001, and throughout the War on Terror.
The 77th Regional Readiness Command is the Army Reserve headquarters for over 11,000 Army Reserve soldiers. Approximately 6,500 Army Reserve soldiers have been mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Their service to our Nation is to be commended.
Throughout his career Brigadier General Terpeluk has served with honor and distinction. His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster. He has also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Silver Hourglass, the Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbons.
Brigadier General Terpeluk is an Infantry Officer who received his commission as a Second Lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program in 1974 from the Virginia Military Institute. After completing the Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, he served on Active Duty as the Executive Officer, Company E, 3d Battalion, 3d Basic Combat Training Brigade, Fort Dix, NJ.
Throughout his career Brigadier General Terpeluk has served at 79th United States Army Reserve Command, Willow Grove, PA, and in Camp Casey and Camp Howze, Korea.
Today, we honor his service to our city and to our Nation and wish him well in all his future endeavors.