[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19305]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 19305]]

   RETIREMENT OF ROGER W. PUTNAM, PRESIDENT OF THE NON COMMISSIONED 
                          OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB STUMP

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 3, 1999

  Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding 
American, a true patriot, and veteran of the Armed Forces of the United 
States. On August 31, 1999, Roger W. Putnam will retire from his 
position as president and chief executive officer of the Non 
Commissioned Officers Association. On that date, Roger Putnam will 
bring to a close more than 40 years of service to the Nation and 
military members and veterans.
  A retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major, Roger Putnam's military 
service was indeed distinguished and varied. He originally entered the 
Air Force in 1949 and served until his discharge in 1952. He continued 
his public service as a Detroit police officer before returning to the 
Army in September 1961. During the ensuing 24 years, he rose through 
the enlisted ranks to Command Sergeant Major in various assignments 
overseas, including Japan, Ethiopia and Germany, and within the United 
States. He is a combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. 
Among numerous campaign and service awards, Roger earned the Silver 
Star for gallantry in action, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, 
Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster and Air Medal (5th Award). 
Roger also earned and is entitled to wear the Master Aircraft Crewman 
Badge.
  Roger is the Past President of the Enterprise Alabama Rotary Club and 
has been recognized by the Rotary International as a Paul Harris 
Fellow. He is a Past Chairman of the Commanding General's Retiree 
Council, Fort Rucker, Alabama, and has served on the Board of Directors 
of the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce and the Army Aviation Museum 
Foundation. Roger also served as vice president of the Community Bank 
and Trust at Fort Rucker and Enterprise, Alabama.
  In March 1998, the NCOA International Board of Directors elected 
Roger to his current office as President and Chief Executive Officer of 
the Association. This position was preceded by membership on the 
International Board of Directors since 1983, including service as its 
Chairman, and as NCOA's Vice President for Field Membership 
Development.
  Mr. Speaker, veterans of all eras, indeed all Americans, have 
benefited from the magnificent service that Roger Putnam has so 
unselfishly given to the Nation. I know that his leadership will be 
missed within the Non Commissioned Officers Association and veterans' 
organizations as well. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before the 
people's House and salute Roger for a job exceedingly well done. Thanks 
for your service, Roger, and may your days ahead be filled with 
happiness, prosperity and health.

                          ____________________