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.