[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 95 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF SERGEANT MAJOR JOHN K. GILSTRAP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 28, 2013

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Sergeant Major John K. Gilstrap, who is retiring from his service to 
the United States Marine Corps on October 1, 2013.
  For three decades, SgtMaj Gilstrap faithfully served this country in 
various capacities, rising to the highest enlisted rank of Sergeant 
Major. He began his Marine Corps career entering basic training in 
September 1983 at Parris Island, South Carolina. From there he went on 
to serve at Camp Pendleton, and Okinawa with his Marine Attack 
Helicopter Squadron. SgtMaj Gilstrap then participated in Operation 
Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Sea Angel, and Operation Restore 
Hope.
  In the spring of 1996, then a Staff Sergeant, Gilstrap had the 
distinct honor of personally building and shaping young men into harden 
Marine warriors as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor at 
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. In the Marine Corps, there are 
few honors higher than being a Drill Instructor, having the 
responsibility of training the next generation of Marines to defend 
this great nation--Gilstrap did this with great honor.
  In May 2001, SgtMaj Gilstrap reported to 1st Battalion, 11th Marines 
and its during this time that I had the distinct honor as a new Marine 
Lieutenant to serve with him overseas. While with 1st Battalion, 11th 
Marines, SgtMaj Gilstrap deployed to Iraq where he held the billet of 
Battery 1stSgt for Battery A and Headquarters Battery. At this time, he 
was also promoted to his current rank of SgtMaj.
  While serving in Iraq, SgtMaj Gilstrap was awarded the Purple Heart 
when his vehicle was hit by an IED. Other decorations SgtMaj Gilstrap 
has received include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the 
Air Medal with 1st Strike Flight Award, the Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation Medal with gold star and combat Distinguishing Device, the 
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Combat 
Action Ribbon.
  SgtMaj Gilstrap currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Chief 
Operating Officer at the Marine and Family Programs Division at Marine 
Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. Throughout his career, SgtMaj Gilstrap 
has displayed the very traits and principles that are the core of the 
Marine Corps. Thank you for you and your family's devoted service to 
this country.
  I am honored to share in the celebration of SgtMaj Gilstrap's 
military career, recognizing both his extraordinary leadership and his 
distinguished military service. Semper Fi!

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