[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SERVICE OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR CHRISTOPHER J. KITCHENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK E. GREEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 2023

  Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Command 
Sergeant Major Christopher J. Kitchens for his exceptional military 
service, commitment to our country, and remarkable achievements. He is 
an exemplary leader, a distinguished soldier, and a true patriot. It is 
my privilege to cement his legacy into the Congressional Record, and to 
celebrate his well-deserved retirement.
  CSM Kitchens' story is a testimony of resolve and selfless service. 
Enlisting in the Army in 1999, he completed Basic Training and Advanced 
Individual Training at Fort Benning and graduated as an 11C Infantry 
Mortarman. He was assigned to the 2/327th Infantry Regiment at Fort 
Campbell, serving as an assistant gunner, gunner, and Team Leader. He 
first deployed to Kosovo and served admirably in support of Operation 
Joint Guardian.
  In April 2002, he reclassified his MOS and attended Advanced 
Individual Training at Fort Eustis. As a 67U Helicopter Repairer, he 
was stationed at Camp Humphries, Republic of Korea, where he served in 
the 47 Maintenance Platoon until September 2003. The following 
December, CSM Kitchens joined the 160th Special Operations Aviation 
Regiment (SOAR) (Airborne) after completing Green Platoon. He was 
assigned to the 2-160th SOAR (ABN) 47 Maintenance Platoon, servicing 
one of the most elite and fastest deployable night-time aviation forces 
in the world. As a Night Stalker, he led MH-47E Phase Inspections and, 
for his exceptional service, attention to detail, and leadership 
abilities, he was promoted to Squad Leader and deployed in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom.
  Going above and beyond the call of duty, CSM Kitchens volunteered to 
start up the 4th Battalion of the 160th SOAR (ABN) as a Technical 
Inspector at Fort Lewis. His work quickly distinguished himself, 
leading to his promotion to the Quality Control NCOIC in January 2008, 
as MH-47 Maintenance Platoon Sergeant in July 2009 for three years, and 
Battalion Maintenance Manager for nearly two years. In March 2014, he 
was laterally promoted to Charlie Company 4th Battalion First Sergeant, 
and one year later was selected as the Delta Company 2nd Battalion 
First Sergeant. His relentless pursuit of excellence led to his 
selection to attend the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted 
Academy in 2018 while serving as the USASOAC (ABN) Aviation Maintenance 
Support Office Sergeant Major.
  In all his work, CSM Kitchens was a strong leader, a determined 
worker, and a trusted soldier. In June 2019, in recognition of his 
faithful and outstanding service, he became the 2nd Battalion, 160th 
SOAR (ABN) Command Sergeant Major, responsible for over 950 soldiers. 
As the Command Sergeant Major, CSM Kitchens completed the Joint Special 
Operations University Nominative Leader's SUMMIT Course, further honing 
his leadership skills. Two years after assuming command, he became the 
16th Command Sergeant Major of the 160th SOAR (ABN). Like many Night 
Stalkers before him, he fulfilled the Night Stalker Creed's mission to 
safeguard the honor and prestige of the United States.
  Beyond his military duties, CSM Kitchens is also a devoted husband to 
his wife, Laura, and loving father to their two children, Jacob and 
John Roy. He also served as a trusted mentor, advisor, and advocate for 
many soldiers, providing guidance and support. He truly understands 
what serving means, and he does it well.
  CSM Kitchens' career of service is an exemplary model for all service 
members, veterans, and American citizens. Time and again, CSM Kitchens 
has proven faithful and diligent in his duties, earning greater and 
greater responsibilities. He stewarded these responsibilities with 
excellence, integrity, and consistency, and I am proud to represent him 
and his family in Congress. On behalf of the United States Congress, 
and as a fellow Night Stalker, I thank CSM Kitchens for his faithful 
and distinguished career to our great Nation and congratulate him on 
his retirement. Night Stalkers Don't Quit.

                          ____________________