[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E902-E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR DEBRA L. STRICKLAND FROM THE U.S. ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself, 
Congresswoman Capito and the entire Congressional Caucus for Women's 
Issues to recognize the 7th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying 
Ceremony hosted by the Caucus at Arlington National Cemetery. The 
purpose of this event is to honor our nation's servicewomen and female 
veterans for their courage and achievements, and to remember women who 
have died in service to the United States.
  Today, we have the opportunity to recognize five outstanding female 
servicewomen, one elected from each branch of the military. These women 
serve their respective branches with honor, dignity, and courage. These 
highly decorated leaders chose to defend our freedom and embody the 
spirit of those that served before them.
  From the U.S. Army, we will honor Command Sergeant Major Debra L. 
Strickland, who first entered the Army in 1973 from Coral Gables, 
Florida. Command Sergeant Major Strickland has served the Army at a 
variety of duty stations and capacities. Among other accomplishments, 
she distinguished herself early in her career by becoming the first 
female reserve advisor for the Readiness Group in the Fort Sill, 
Oklahoma, readiness region and assumed responsibilities over a three 
state area. She also utilized her experience working at the USAREUR 
Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, and in the office of Leadership to 
effectively manage the USAREUR Sergeant Morales Program. CSM Strickland 
has also been a strong MACOM proponent for uniform regulation. One of 
her many achievements includes an assignment at the Pentagon from 1988-
1989, where she was one of few enlisted proponent action officers for 
an army publication, AR 670-1, the Army Uniform Regulation.
  CSM Strickland has successfully completed Sergeants Major Academy and 
the Command Sergeants Major course. She is Drill Sergeant qualified, a 
member of the USAREUR Sergeant Morales Club, and is completing a degree 
in management. She is also the recipient of The Legion of Merit, 
Defense Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf), Meritorious Service 
Medal (6th Oak Leaf) and Humanitarian Service Medal.

[[Page E903]]

  Command Sergeant Major Debra L. Strickland continues to distinguish 
herself as an invaluable leader in the U.S. Army, and it is an honor 
for each member of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to 
recognize the courage and commitment of CSM Strickland and all women in 
the military.

                          ____________________