[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATIONS TO COMMAND SGT. MAJ. JOSEPH C. TAITANO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this occasion to 
commend and congratulate Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph C. Taitano of the 
Guam Army National Guard on his distinguished career and his well-
earned retirement. A 30-year veteran, Command Sergeant Major Taitano 
served in Vietnam and in the Persian Gulf.
  Born in the village of Tamuning, he is the son of Henry and Josephine 
Taitano. He grew up in the village of Dededo and attended George 
Washington Senior High School. Upon graduating in 1966, he enlisted in 
the Army where he rose from the ranks. Serving in various leadership 
positions ranging from squad leader to command sergeant major, Command 
Sergeant Major Taitano holds the distinction of being the only soldier 
to have served in all of the Army's components in the sergeant major 
position. His assignments included tours of duty with the 101st 
Airborne Division in Vietnam and the Army Central Command/3d U.S. Army 
in the Persian Gulf. He was also stationed at a number of locations 
prior to being assigned to the Guam Army National Guard.
  A host of awards and decorations were conferred to him during three 
decades of service. They include, among others, two Bronze Star Medals, 
five Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals and an 
Army Achievement Medal. Aside from attending the University of Guam, 
Command Sergeant Major Taitano received a wide range of formal military 
and technical training. He also completed numerous leadership courses 
including the Command Sergeant Major Course.
  After 30 years of distinguished and dedicated service, Command 
Sergeant Major Taitano has chosen to retire from the Army in order to 
spend more time with his family. In addition to the great contributions 
his military career has made toward the strength and security of this 
Nation, Command Sergeant Major Taitano's achievements have undoubtedly 
brought pride to the Island of Guam and its people. He is a role model; 
he is a leader; he is a great representative of his island home.
  I join his parents, Henry and Josephine Taitano, who, together with 
his children--Nolan, Samantha, Neal, Sophina, and their mother 
Elizabeth--are proud to celebrate his great accomplishments. On behalf 
of the people of Guam, I congratulate Command Sergeant Major Taitano. I 
hope that he enjoys his well-earned retirement and wish him the best in 
his future endeavors.
  Si Yu'os Ma'ase' CSM Taitano.

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