[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S6023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of the Army's 
234th anniversary. On June 14, 2009, the Army celebrates its 234th year 
of courageous and noble service to the people of the United States of 
America.
  The Army has designated 2009 as ``The Year of the Noncommissioned 
Officer,'' in recognition of the dedicated and selfless service of 
noncommissioned officers, known as the ``Backbone of the Army,'' 
throughout the Nation's history. Our country nation owes a debt of 
gratitude to those noncommissioned officers who have defended our 
country and freedom worldwide, serving in harm's way across the globe 
to defend freedom and secure the peace for the American people. It is 
fitting that we should pay special tribute to the Army's 
noncommissioned officer corps on the 234th anniversary of the Army's 
establishment in 1775.
  At Fort Lewis, WA, home of the I Corps, known as ``America's Corps,'' 
noncommissioned officers are observing the Army's birthday while 
preparing for deployment into harm's way, training for future service 
to the Nation, and upholding the high standards of our armed services.
  It is my desire to thank and honor those courageous, dedicated and 
selfless men and women. I am grateful for the Army's outstanding corps 
of noncommissioned officers at Fort Lewis, WA, under the direction of 
COL Cynthia Murphy, Garrison Commander, and Command Sergeant MAJ 
Matthew Barnes, for their role in defending our Nation and serving its 
people as the keepers of the Army's high standards, the trainers and 
maintainers who make our Army the greatest force for good across the 
globe, and the heart and soul of our fighting forces at home and 
abroad. They are truly the ``Backbone of the Army.''

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