[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR PATRICIA GRIFFIN 
                         CARDWELL, NCANG, RET.

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                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2011

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Command 
Sergeant Major Patricia Griffin Cardwell. CSM Cardwell passed away last 
week on December 7. She was a veteran of the North Carolina Army 
National Guard (NCANG) and is survived by her mother, two brothers, and 
her niece and nephew.
  CSM Cardwell was the daughter of Betty Nowarah Griffin and the late 
Reginald Griffin. She was a native of Martin County, a graduate of 
Williamston High School, and a member of the First Christian Church.
  CSM Cardwell began her distinguished 28-year career with the NCANG on 
December 5, 1979, as a Specialist, and became a full-time member of the 
Guard in 1984. From 2001-2002, she attended the United States Army 
Sergeants Major Course at the USA Sergeants Major Academy in Fort 
Bliss, Texas. CSM Cardwell made history on April 1, 2004, when she was 
promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major, becoming the first woman to 
rise to this rank in the NCANG. She was later laterally appointed as a 
Command Sergeant Major of the 217th Human Resources Battalion 
Headquarters, and served in a dual status in both this post and as the 
Chief, Personnel Services of the Human Resources Section at Joint 
Forces Headquarters in Raleigh until her retirement on December 31, 
2007.
  CSM Cardwell served our country for three decades with tremendous 
character and devotion. She deserves the highest appreciation and 
commendation. I pray that her family is able to find peace in this 
difficult time. I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring her today.

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