[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO SGT. MIKE HEADRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. WAMP. Madam Speaker, the Volunteer State has done it again! 
Today, I rise to honor Sgt. Mike Headrick, a Tennessee National Guard 
soldier from Dunlap, Tennessee, who will be among seven National 
Guardsmen from across the entire United States competing for the 
prestigious title of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year.
  Sgt. Headrick has successfully competed against other highly talented 
National Guardsmen from our region for the opportunity to contend in 
the national finals. Competition begins in the hometown unit and 
becomes more difficult as the participant advances. In Sgt. Headrick's 
case, each unit in his Armored Cavalry Regiment squadron selected an 
NCO to compete at the Squadron level. Testing includes marksmanship, 
first aid, and warrior task training, along with proficiency on Army 
regulations and history. Squadron winners move up to regimental 
competition and face more difficult challenges including a physical 
fitness test, more warrior tasks, weapons qualification and a 10-mile 
road march. At the statewide competition, obstacles become even tougher 
with the addition of a land navigation course, another long road march 
and a mandatory appearance before a panel of Sergeant Majors.
  The national competition begins at Fort Benning, Georgia, on July 30, 
and is packed with a grueling physical fitness test, five-mile run, day 
and night land navigation course, 12-mile road march with a 30 lb. 
rucksack, water survival, day and night weapons marksmanship, obstacle 
course, and hand-to-hand combat with little or no sleep. The 
competition concludes here in Washington, DC., one week later.
  Sgt. Headrick is a member of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment's 
Det. 1, Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, in Gallatin, Tennessee, and 
has proudly served in our National Guard for six years. He volunteered 
for military service at the age 33, just before the age-limit cutoff, 
because he wanted future generations to have the ability to live in 
freedom without the fear of terrorists attacks.
  In civilian life, Sgt. Headrick is a Certified Master Auto Technician 
at Bavarian Auto in my hometown of Chattanooga. He has been married to 
his wife, Audrey, for 20 years and they have one son, Alex.
  Tennessee is very proud of the accomplishments and service of Sgt. 
Mike Headrick, and I am honored to recognize him today in the U.S. 
House of Representatives. This friendly competition sharpens the skills 
of our service men and women and better prepares them for the 
intensities of combat. We wish all seven soldiers the very best as they 
prepare to win the coveted title of Non-Commissioned Officer of the 
Year, but it's no secret that I hope Sgt. Headrick brings it home to 
the great State of Tennessee!

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