[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 179 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL GRINSTON ON HIS SELECTION TO BECOME 
             THE SIXTEENTH SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE U.S. ARMY

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                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2019

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Sergeant Major 
Michael Grinston on his selection to become the sixteenth Sergeant 
Major of the United States Army.
  Having grown up in Jasper, Alabama, in Alabama's Fourth Congressional 
District, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston enlisted in the Army in 
1987 to serve as an artilleryman. During his thirty-two years in the 
Army, his deployments included two tours each to Operation Iraqi 
Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as Desert Shield/Desert Storm and 
a deployment to Kosovo. He also served as the senior enlisted leader 
for the Army's first deployment of a division headquarters, with the 
First Infantry Division, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from 
October 2014 to June 2015.
  In addition to serving as the I Corps Command Sergeant Major, 
Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston most recently served as the senior 
enlisted leader for U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the U.S. Army's 
largest command. He is a combat veteran who has served in every level 
of leadership from gunner to his current role as the United States 
Army's senior enlisted leader.
  His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service 
Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), 
and five Bronze Stars (two with ``V'' devices). He has earned the 
Ranger tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant 
Identification Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.
  Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree 
in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University 
College.
  Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize such an 
accomplished and dedicated leader. I join his family, friends and 
colleagues in wishing him the greatest success in this new role.

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