[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 92 (Thursday, June 5, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN HONOR OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR BRETT RANKERT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Command Sergeant Major 
Brett Rankert for his 25 years of service to the Nation as a member of 
the United States Army. On behalf of the whole House, I am honored to 
extend to CSM Rankert and his family the gratitude of the Congress and 
the American people for his service on this occasion of his retirement.
  I have had the great personal pleasure of meeting CSM Rankert during 
his tour of duty as the Presidio of Monterey Command Sergeant Major. I 
can say without reservation that his performance in this position 
epitomizes the very best of what military service should be--smart, 
professional, selfless, and humane. He has truly been an ambassador for 
the uniformed services in general, and the Army in particular. My 
office has repeatedly worked with CSM Rankert to help resolve problems 
ranging from individual soldier concerns to the frustrations of several 
elderly Presidio neighbors over the `just outside the gate' smoking 
habits of certain DLI students. In every instance of which I am aware, 
CSM Rankert has helped to transform a situation from conflict to 
resolution with grace, certainty, and a smile.
  CSM Rankert is also a warrior--a soldier's soldier. A native of South 
Bend, Indiana, he first enlisted into the Army in 1983. CSM Rankert's 
leadership qualities, particularly his attention to the soldiers in his 
care, led to a succession of promotions and leadership positions, 
including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, 
and ultimately Command Sergeant Major. His assignments included the 
313th Military Intelligence Battalion in support of the 82nd Airborne 
Division; the 102nd Military Intelligence Battalion in support of the 
2nd Infantry Division; and the 101st Military Intelligence Battalion 
serving as the Bravo Company First Sergeant. Finally, I should note 
that CSM Rankert never scored below a perfect 300 on his annual 
physical fitness test.
  His military education included the Army Airborne Course, Basic 
Instructor Training Course, Advanced Noncommissioned Officers Course, 
First Sergeants Course, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, 
Command Sergeants Major Designee Course, and the Garrison Sergeants 
Major Course. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Liberal Arts 
from Excelsior College, New York, and an Associates of Applied Science 
Degree in Intelligence Operations. CSM Rankert's Awards and decorations 
include the Legion of Merit, the Army Parachutist Badge, Meritorious 
Service Medal (3rd OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC), Army 
Achievement Medal (4th OLC), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional 
Development Ribbon (4th Award), NATO Medal.
  Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to emphasize the importance of 
military families in the ultimate success of our military's mission. 
CSM Rankert's past and future success are very much built on the 
support and partnership of his wife Sharon and son Justin. I want to 
thank them for their public service and wish the Rankert family good 
luck and God's speed in the next chapter of their lives.

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