[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E558-E559]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR GABRIEL BERHANE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today joined by my 
colleague, Congressman James Moran, of Virginia's 8th District, to 
recognize Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Berhane for his 29 years of 
exemplary service to our nation in the United States Army and to 
congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement.
  The United States of America has distinguished itself from other 
nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the 
knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our 
inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the 
extraordinary dedication to country and sacrifices exhibited by our men 
and women in uniform. CSM Berhane possesses each of these qualities in 
abundance.
  Since enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1983, CSM Berhane has 
consistently excelled while honorably serving in every position in the 
Armor and Cavalry field from Dismounted Scout to Command Sergeant 
Major. Other than Sergeant Major of the Army, there is no higher rank; 
a soldier who attains the rank of Command Sergeant Major is the epitome 
of success and professionalism. And while it is impossible to detail 
each of the remarkable events in CSM Berhane's illustrious career, let 
us highlight some of his more recent achievements and actions that 
should serve as an inspiration to all Americans.
  Between August 2000 and June 2002, CSM Berhane served as a Sergeants 
Major Course Instructor, in which he provided pivotal instruction and 
mentorship to more than 750 Senior Noncommissioned Officers. In this 
role, he provided invaluable insight into the management of the academy 
and implemented an in-depth Standard Operating Procedure that was a 
critical component of the accreditation of the academy and the 
continued professional development of our military leaders.
  From June 2002 to March 2004 CSM Berhane served as Squadron Command 
Sergeant Major of the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry

[[Page E559]]

which consisted of more than 900 personnel assigned to four ground and 
three air troops. He ensured the overall readiness of more than 400 
vehicles, helicopters, and equipment. While deployed, CSM Berhane led a 
task force of 1,241 personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom without 
losing a single soldier. CSM Berhane was commended for establishing and 
enforcing standards of combat readiness, training, morale, and 
discipline for the unit during eight months of intense combat 
operations.
  From March 2004 to January 2009, CSM Berhane served as Brigade 
Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He 
oversaw command and control, planning, training, maintenance, 
deployment and combat readiness of the Brigade, ensuring the overall 
readiness of more than 1,230 vehicles and managing the deployment of 
more than 3,800 personnel to Iraq as part of the surge initiative. 
While deployed during this time, CSM Berhane personally led more than 
300 combat patrols and increased retention standards by 40%, earning 
the Commanding General's Top Brigade Retention Award for the Division.
  Most recently, in 2009, CSM Berhane was assigned to USAG Fort Belvoir 
as the Garrison Command Sergeant Major, and he has skillfully assisted 
in the execution of one of the largest BRAC missions within the 
Department of Defense. He has provided direct leadership and management 
to a staff of 120 soldiers and 558 civilians to ensure the effective 
operations, installation management and base programs and services that 
provide support to 9,500 soldiers, 27,000 family members, 100,000 
military retirees, and 50,000 DoD employees of 145 partner agencies. 
CSM Berhane has worked closely with Garrison Commanders to maintain and 
enhance the excellent relationships that exist between Fort Belvoir and 
local communities and governments that have been impacted by BRAC.
  CSM Berhane is a highly decorated officer; his awards and decorations 
include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal (w/``V'' Device); Bronze 
Star Medal (w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal; Army 
Commendation Medal (w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal (w/6 
Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (8th Award); National Defense 
Medal (w/Bronze Star); Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed 
Forces Services Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral 
Four); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon (w/Numeral Five); United 
Nations Medal; Presidential Unit Citation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit 
Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal; Parachutist Badge; Drill 
Sergeant Badge and Combat Action Badge. CSM Berhane is a member of the 
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and also a recipient of the Order of Saint 
George.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in commending Command 
Sergeant Major Gabriel Berhane for his unwavering dedication to duty in 
peacetime and in combat. CSM Berhane's accomplishments and expertise 
have contributed immeasurably to our national defense and security, and 
he has earned the admiration, respect, and gratitude of all Americans. 
We also thank CSM Berhane's wife, Connie, and their children, Jasmin, 
Michael and Rashawn, for their support and sacrifices over the years. 
We wish them a happy and healthy retirement filled with continued 
success.

                          ____________________