[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT GRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and to honor to 
Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham for his dedication and commitment to his 
country.
  Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham graduated from Thomas Jefferson High 
School in Brooklyn, New York in 1981. On February 23, 1982 he enlisted 
in the Marine Corps and attended recruit training at the Marine Corps 
Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduating 
Recruit Training, Private First Class Graham transferred to the U.S. 
Army Transportation School in Forth Eustis, VA for training in his 
occupational field.
  In September 1982 after he was transferred to Marine Corps Base, Camp 
S.D. Butler, Okinawa Japan, Graham was promoted to Lance Corporal and 
subsequently meritoriously promoted to Corporal. On December 1, 1985 he 
was promoted to the rank of Sergeant after being transferred to Marine 
Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. In 1996 he was promoted to the rank 
or Gunnery Sergeant. On May 1, 2001 he was promoted to Master Sergeant 
and was ultimately promoted to Master Gunnery Sergeant in February of 
2006.
  His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat 
Action Ribbon, Navy Unity Commendation Ribbon 2nd Award, Navy 
Meritorious Unity Commendation Ribbon, Maine Corps Good Conduct Medal 
8th Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, South West Asia 
Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense 
Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 6th Award, Navy Marine 
Corps Overseas Ribbon, Drill Instructor Service Ribbon, Kuwait 
Liberation medal (Saudi Aribia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) and 
the Iraq campaign medal.
  On December 16, 2011 Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham retired from the 
Marine Corps after thirty years of Active Service.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Master Gunnery Sergeant Graham 
for his outstanding service to our country.

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