[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 1996

Public Law 111-61
111th Congress

Joint Resolution


 
Recognizing the service, sacrifice, honor, and professionalism of the
Noncommissioned Officers of the United States Army. <>

Whereas the Noncommissioned Officer ranks, namely corporals and
sergeants, date back more than 230 years in United States Army
history, beginning with the birth of the Continental Army in 1775
and highlighted in the westward expansion of the United States, the
Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the
Vietnam Conflict, the liberation of Kuwait, and the current Global
War on Terror;

Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are accomplished military professionals
who have combined civilian and military education opportunities to
become the Army's preeminent body of leadership;

Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are the ``backbone of the American
Army'' and are the standard keepers for the Army in the training,
leading, coaching, and mentoring of soldiers;

Whereas Noncommissioned Officers have provided invaluable service and
have made great sacrifices in the line of duty, a virtue held most
high, and they have continually proven their dedication and a
willingness to make great sacrifices on behalf of the United States;

Whereas Noncommissioned Officers recognize their role in training young
soldiers to become future leaders, and they also recognize that an
important part of their job is caring and looking out for the
welfare of junior enlisted members and their families;

Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are the ``eyes and ears'' of the
commander, and have a well-earned reputation for having operational
and strategic awareness to interpret and issue orders as necessary
within their duties and in the absence of commissioned officers; and

Whereas the United States Army is an institution rich in cultural,
ethnic, and gender diversity, and Noncommissioned Officers are
outstanding role models for all Americans and are exemplary
representatives of the moral character and strength of the United
States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
(1) recognizes the service, sacrifice, honor, and
professionalism of the Noncommissioned Officers of the United
States Army;

[[Page 1997]]
123 STAT. 1997

(2) expresses its deepest appreciation to the
Noncommissioned Officers of the Army who serve or have served in
defense of the United States; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States to recognize,
commemorate, and honor the role and contribution of
Noncommissioned Officers, past and present, in defense of the
United States.

Approved August 19, 2009.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.J. Res. 44:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 155 (2009):
July 27, 28, considered and passed House.
Aug. 4, considered and passed Senate.