[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 144 (Monday, December 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY RAYMOND F. CHANDLER III

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 1, 2014

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a dear friend and 
outstanding citizen, Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler 
III, for his 33 years of dedicated, distinguished, and honorable 
service. SMA Chandler will retire on August 1, 2015, leaving behind a 
legacy of excellence and devotion to the United States Army and this 
great nation.
  A native of California but raised in the Boston area, SMA Chandler 
enlisted in the Army in 1981. He excelled throughout his career and 
served in all tank crewman positions and had multiple tours as a troop, 
squadron, and regimental master gunner. SMA Chandler's skill as a 
leader of warriors was recognized early on as he assumed command 
positions in numerous regiments and divisions. He was assigned as the 
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy command sergeant major in 
December 2007. Nearly two years later, he became the 19th Commandant of 
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and the first enlisted 
commandant in the academy's history.
  In his final assignment, SMA Chandler served as Sergeant Major of the 
Army, our Army's most senior enlisted soldier, leading the 
Noncommissioned Officer Corps and carrying news of the enlisted ranks 
to the Chief of Staff of the Army and other leadership. He served as 
the role model and standard bearer for enlisted personnel, built 
relationships between the Army and Congress, and rallied support from 
community and business leaders for soldiers and their families. His 
guidance and influence have steered the Army into a well-equipped and 
well-trained force over the past four years.
  His extraordinary service has not gone unnoticed. SMA Chandler is the 
recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Legion of 
Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. He has also 
been honored with the Order of Saint George, the Distinguished Order of 
Saint Martin, and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Additionally, 
SMA Chandler sat on a wide variety of councils and boards that made 
decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families and was 
routinely invited to testify before Congress.
  Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It is not the end of a 
career, but rather the beginning of a new adventure. On behalf of a 
grateful nation, I join my colleagues to celebrate SMA Raymond 
Chandler's retirement. His patriotism, citizenship, and commitment to 
service reflect the very best values of our nation. He has been a 
shining example for the nation and has earned our gratitude. I commend 
him for his selfless service to the nation and the United States Army. 
I wish him and his wife Jeanne all the best in their much-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________