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Introduced Version House Resolution 37 History

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HOUSE RESOLUTION 37

(By Delegates Armstead, Lane and Walters)

[Introduced March 18, 2009]



Recognizing and honoring Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake, the top soldier of the United States Army Sustainment Command.

Whereas, Like thousands of young West Virginians, Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake, enlisted in the United States Army following his graduation from high school; and
Whereas, During his twenty-seven years of distinguished service in the United States Army, Command Sergeant Major Blake has served in a number of key enlisted leadership positions; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Blake is a soldier's soldier who has risen through the ranks and currently serves as Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Sustainment Command at Rock Island, Illinois, a position he has held since June 2008; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Blake has completed overseas tours of duty in Germany and Korea as well as combat tours in Southwest Asia during both Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and a tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Blake graduated from Class 53 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, in 2003, and his military training has also included the Air Assault School, Primary Leadership Development Course, and First Sergeants Course. Command Sergeant Major Blake was named the distinguished graduate from his class in both the Basic and Advanced Non-Commissioned Officers Courses and he also holds an Associates Degree in Business Management from Excelsior College; and
Whereas, As the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Sustainment Brigade at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Command Sergeant Major Blake developed a new convoy standing operating procedure (SOP), using the Center for Army Lessons Learned Web site to gather the most recent tactics, techniques, and procedures used by units operating in Iraq. The SOP difficulty and intensity of the training were confidence builders for Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and new soldiers alike; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Blake's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (three awards); the Legion of Merit; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards); the Army Commendation Medal (nine awards); the Army Achievement Medal (nine awards); the Good Conduct Medal (eight awards); the National Defense Service Medal with Star; the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three stars; the Iraq, Afghanistan, Global War on Terrorism and Korean Defense service Medals; the NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral Four; the Army Service Ribbon; the Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral Three; the NATO Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medals from the governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; the Air Assault Badge; and three Meritorious Unit Commendations. He is also a recipient of the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe, an award which recognizes those individuals who have served the United States Army Ordnance Corps with demonstrated integrity, moral character and professional competence over a sustained period of time and whose selfless contributions to the Corps stand out in the eyes of their seniors, peers and subordinates alike; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake is a native of Tyler Mountain, Kanawha County, and the son of Mrs. Adelia L. Blake and the late Mr. Charles K. Blake; and
Whereas, Command Sergeant Major Blake is married to the former Karen Marie Riley, and they are the parents of two children, Amber and Joshua; and
Whereas, As evidenced by our state motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," West Virginians value freedom and Command Sergeant Major Blake has dedicated his life to preserving and protecting our freedom; and
Whereas, It is because of Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake and the many dedicated men and women of our Armed Forces that our great nation is protected; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House of Delegates hereby recognizes and honors Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake for his service to our country; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward certified copies of this resolution to the family of Command Sergeant Major Stephen D. Blake.
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