[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CAREER OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR KENNETH J. ``ROCK'' 
                                MERRITT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2018

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of 
Command Sergeant Major Kenneth J. ``Rock'' Merritt. During his 35 years 
of dedicated service, CSM Merritt served valiantly, made history and 
showed us all how to be a family man.
  After enlisting in the United States Army in 1942, CSM Merritt began 
his military career as a Private to Technical Sergeant in the HQ1 Light 
Machine Gun Platoon. Serving in combat all over the world allowed CSM 
Merritt to gain valuable experience that would shape his distinguished 
career. Completing over 200 parachute jumps, he was awarded a Gold 
Century Parachute Badge by the Original Airborne Association. While 
stationed at Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina's Eighth 
Congressional District, CSM Merritt made history for serving two tours 
as CSM of the XVIII Airborne Corps. In 1973, he was selected as one of 
the five Command Sergeant Majors in the Army allowed to serve five 
years beyond the mandatory 30 years service prescribed by Army 
Regulations. Additionally, CSM Merritt served five terms as President 
of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association, three terms as 
Vice President of the Association and many years as Association 
Parliamentarian.
  Deployed on numerous operational assignments all over the globe and 
through some of our nation's toughest times, CSM Merritt stood ready to 
answer the call to serve our nation. Throughout these operations, he 
delivered on the promise to keep America safe and confront our enemies 
under the most difficult conditions.
  During these deployments, CSM Merritt received numerous medals and 
recognitions for his service, including the Silver Star Medal, Legion 
of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal with two oak/leaf clusters, 
Meritorious Service Medal with two clusters, Army Commendation Medal 
with three clusters, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, 
Masters Parachutists Badge with two combat jump stars, National Defense 
Medal, European Theater of Operations Medal with Invasion Arrowhead and 
four battle stars, European Victory Medal, and the Occupation Medal 
with Germany Bar.
  While fighting our nation's battles overseas, CSM Merritt's most 
important commitment remained to his family back home. He was married 
to his lovely wife, Sally, for more than 60 years before she passed 
away, and they raised three wonderful children during CMS Merritt's 
illustrious career. This country cannot repay the debt we owe to CSM 
Merritt and his family--the Merritts are true American heroes.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the career of the 
Command Sergeant Major Kenneth J. ``Rock'' Merritt.

                          ____________________