[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 81 (Monday, June 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E829]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR LAWRENCE VANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 2013

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished 
military career of West Virginia National Guard Command Sergeant Major 
Lawrence Ray Vance. CSM Vance's service is one of honor and devotion; 
to which the people of West Virginia and the United States of America 
owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.
   Lawrence Vance began serving his country in 1971 when he enlisted in 
the United States Army. Following a short stint as a civilian, Vance 
joined the WVNG in 1975 and embarked on a journey that would take him 
around the globe. He began as an Armor Crewman at Fort Hood, Texas, and 
gained extensive experience as a Tank Commander at Camp Casey, Korea; 
Fort Benning, Georgia; Ferris Barracks, Germany; and Fort Polk, 
Louisiana. He returned to WV in 1981 as a Motor Sergeant with the WVNG, 
later earning the rank of Command Sergeant Major after completing the 
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy Course in June of 2005. In 
the same year, he was promoted to the fourth highest position of 
leadership in the WVNG, State Enlisted Leader.
   CSM Vance has received a host of awards and decorations throughout 
his service to our country, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious 
Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Achievement Medals, Good 
Conduct Medals, and Reserve Components Achievement Medals, among many 
others. In addition to the federal awards, CSM Vance received state 
recognition in the form of multiple WV Achievement Ribbons, Emergency 
Service Ribbons, State Service Ribbons, and Minute Man Ribbons, as well 
as a North Carolina Achievement Ribbon for his service to the state.
   CSM Vance lives in Charleston, West Virginia, with his wife, Ute. 
Together they have five children and sixteen grandchildren, many of 
whom followed their father's footsteps through work in the military or 
ministry.
   On May 31, 2013 CSM Vance will retire from the WVNG after 38 years, 
5 months, and 18 days of commendable service. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 
the State of West Virginia and the United States of America, I would 
like to thank CSM Lawrence Vance for his years of selfless service to 
our state and country.

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