[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF CADET STEVEN J. SARKEES TO CHIEF PETTY 
                            OFFICER, USNSCC

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my 
constituents, Steven J. Sarkees, on his appointment to Chief Petty 
Officer in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. While a high school 
senior in Grand Island, New York, Cadet Sarkees is a member of the 
Sullivans Division, Naval Sea Cadet Corps located in Buffalo, New York. 
Cadet Sarkees' appointment to Chief Petty Office is bestowed on less 
than one half of one percent of the ten thousand Naval Sea Cadets in 
the program, and is a reflection of his exceptional leadership skills 
and mastery of seamanship training.
  The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established in 1958 in order to 
provide youth with a drug-free and gang-free environment where 
individuals between the ages of 11 and 17 could develop an appreciation 
for the United States' naval history, customs, traditions and its 
significant role in national defense. The goal of the Sea Cadet Corps 
is to encourage young people to develop an interest in basic seamanship 
and teach Cadets patriotism, courage, self-confidence and self-
reliance. Chief Petty Officer is the highest level a Cadet can attain 
and reflects years of hard work and dedication.
  Cadet Sarkees has developed into a mature leader, and is a fine 
example of what the Sea Cadet Corps strives to develop in young people. 
He has earned his appointment to Chief Petty Officer by completing a 
challenging course load, passing a leadership exam, completing 6 months 
time in rank, and attending 2 weeks of advanced training. Again, Cadet 
Sarkees is a positive role model to his fellow cadets, and exemplifies 
the best qualities of a patriotic American.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cadet 
Sarkees for his significant achievement as a member of the U.S. Naval 
Sea Cadet Corps.




                          ____________________