[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 58 (Thursday, May 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E710-E711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2000

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, it is a well established fact that non-
commissioned officers are the backbone of our nation's military. 
Today's NCO's are given dual roles as leaders and technicians. In 
addition to providing operational support for their superiors and their 
organizations, these men and women are duty bound to provide for the 
health, welfare and safety of the troops under their care. An effective 
NCO must be mentally and physically dedicated as well as technically 
and tactically proficient in his or her field of expertise. Such 
qualities are inherent in Command Sergeant Major Benjamin C. Palacios.
  Widely known as Ben, CSM Palacios was born on November 11, 1950, on 
the island of Saipan in the Northern Marianas. He later moved to Guam 
where he graduated from George Washington High School. Initially 
enlisting with the Army on October, 1969, he underwent Basic Training 
at Fort Ord, CA.
  Ben was destined to serve in the Army. He took a 2-year hiatus from 
military life in 1972 only to re-enlist in 1974 as a Specialist Four. 
He is now one of the Army's most senior NCO's.
  All through his many years of military service Ben served both in the 
Continental United States and overseas with the 1st Infantry Division, 
the 9th Infantry Division, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the 2d Armored 
Division. His assignments include serving in all enlisted leadership 
positions within the Armor Career Management Field--from Tank Commander 
to Command Sergeant Major. He also served as an Operations Sergeant in 
several Armor Battalions. In 1988, he was assigned as the Senior 
Enlisted Advisor for the 50th Armored Division, New Jersey Army 
National Guard.
  From March 1994 through February 1996, Ben served as the Division 
Command Sergeant Major for the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, 
GA. While serving as the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for the 2nd 
Vanguard Brigade from May 1994 through January 1996, he participated in 
several deployments with the Brigade. These included tours of duty with 
the National Training Center and Bright Star '94 in Egypt. In addition, 
he was also deployed to Saudi Arabia in Operations Desert Shield and 
Desert Storm as the 3-69 Armor Battalion Command Sergeant Major. Ben 
served as the Command Sergeant Major for the Third Mobile Armored Corps 
at Fort Hood in Texas for 2\1/2\ years prior to assuming duty as the 
United States Army Forces Command Command Sergeant Major on July 27, 
1998.
  Ben sought further development through professional military 
education. He attended the Fifth Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy 
and the Sergeant Major Academy. He also completed the First Sergeants 
Course in addition to obtaining an Associate's Degree from Fort 
Steilacoom Community College.
  Among his decorations are the Legion of Merit (1OLC), the Bronze 
Star, the Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), the Army Commendation Medal 
(3OLC), the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (9th Award),

[[Page E711]]

the National Defense Medal with Bronze Star, the Southwest Asia Service 
Medal with two Bronze Stars, the NCODP Ribbon (#4), the Army Service 
Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon (#2), and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. CSM 
Palacios has also been a member of the elite Sergeant Morales Club 
since 1979.
  On Guam and the Marianas, the personal accomplishments and success of 
native sons and daughters are celebrated and adopted as triumphs for 
everyone in the community. Through his illustrious service in the 
United States Army, Ben has attained respect and admiration of many. He 
has brought recognition, not only to himself, but also to the people of 
the Marianas. On their behalf, I commend Command Sergeant Major 
Benjamin C. Palacios for his outstanding achievements.

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