[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 123]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING CSM STEPHEN BLAKE

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Stephen Blake, 
Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command. Today CSM 
Blake is retiring after 30 years of service to the U.S. Army and our 
country.
  CSM Blake has served with distinction throughout his career. He has 
completed multiple overseas tours including combat tours in Southwest 
Asia during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, and a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom. He has earned numerous awards and decorations.
  During his time at ASC Headquarters at Rock Island Arsenal, CSM Blake 
and his wife Karen have been tremendous ambassadors for the Army to 
communities throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. They have 
opened their home and generously shared their time. The Quad City 
region is a better place because they are in it.
  Since CSM Blake arrived at Rock Island Arsenal in 2008 I have 
observed and admired his service to soldiers, military families, and 
our community. I've seen him embrace and support Gold Star Families. He 
has mentored community leaders including my own staff. Through his 
words and actions he consistently demonstrates compassion for others. 
He does what all of us are called to do: help each other.
  Congratulations to CSM Blake and the entire Blake family. We are 
grateful for your service.

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