Ben Cardin: “I want to join the United States House of Representatives today in welcoming Colonel Kenneth J. Leinwand, the…”

“I want to join the United States House of Representatives today in welcoming Colonel Kenneth J. Leinwand, the installation chaplain for Ft. Meade. Colonel Leinwand is the highest- ranking active duty Jewish chaplain in the United States military. The Colonel has been an active duty Army chaplain since 1977. He has served in Iraq, Desert Storm, Bosnia and Kosovo. From 2002 to 2004 he also served as the command chaplain for all U.S. Army ground forces in Europe. Colonel Leinwand has a deep respect and understanding of the religious plurality that exists in today's military. Throughout his almost 30-year military career, he has provided spiritual comfort and solace to soldiers of all faiths. Colonel Leinwand has been awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. As installation chaplain for Ft. Meade, Colonel Leinwand has direct authority over four other chaplains and is responsible for all religious programs. Madam Speaker, Colonel Leinwand has accomplished many firsts in the military as a rabbi and as a chaplain, and it is a great honor to have him with us today. I join the House of Representatives in welcoming him. ____________________”