Whereas the Noncommissioned Officer ranks, namely
corporals and sergeants, date back more than 230 years in United States Army
history, beginning with the birth of the Continental Army in 1775 and
highlighted in the westward expansion of the United States, the Civil War,
World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, the
liberation of Kuwait, and the current Global War on Terror;
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are accomplished military
professionals who have combined civilian and military education opportunities
to become the Army’s preeminent body of leadership;
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are the backbone
of the American Army
and are the standard keepers for the Army in the
training, leading, coaching, and mentoring of soldiers;
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers have provided invaluable
service and have made great sacrifices in the line of duty, a virtue held most
high, and they have continually proven their dedication and a willingness to
make great sacrifices on behalf of the United States;
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers recognize their role in
training young soldiers to become future leaders, and they also recognize that
an important part of their job is caring and looking out for the welfare of
junior enlisted members and their families;
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are the eyes and
ears
of the commander, and have a well-earned reputation for having
operational and strategic awareness to interpret and issue orders as necessary
within their duties and in the absence of commissioned officers; and
Whereas the United States Army is an institution rich in
cultural, ethnic, and gender diversity, and Noncommissioned Officers are
outstanding role models for all Americans and are exemplary representatives of
the moral character and strength of the United States: Now, therefore, be
it
That Congress—
(1)recognizes the
service, sacrifice, honor, and professionalism of the Noncommissioned Officers
of the United States Army;
(2)expresses its
deepest appreciation to the Noncommissioned Officers of the Army who serve or
have served in defense of the United States; and
(3)encourages the
people of the United States to recognize, commemorate, and honor the role and
contribution of Noncommissioned Officers, past and present, in defense of the
United States.
Passed the House of
Representatives July 28, 2009.
Lorraine C. Miller,
Clerk.