Recognizing Sergeant Major Michael Grinston on His Selection to Become the Sixteenth Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army

Floor Speech

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Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Sergeant Major Michael Grinston on his selection to become the sixteenth Sergeant Major of the United States Army.

Having grown up in Jasper, Alabama, in Alabama's Fourth Congressional District, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston enlisted in the Army in 1987 to serve as an artilleryman. During his thirty-two years in the Army, his deployments included two tours each to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as Desert Shield/Desert Storm and a deployment to Kosovo. He also served as the senior enlisted leader for the Army's first deployment of a division headquarters, with the First Infantry Division, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from October 2014 to June 2015.

In addition to serving as the I Corps Command Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston most recently served as the senior enlisted leader for U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM), the U.S. Army's largest command. He is a combat veteran who has served in every level of leadership from gunner to his current role as the United States Army's senior enlisted leader.

His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), and five Bronze Stars (two with ``V'' devices). He has earned the Ranger tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

Sergeant Major of the Army Grinston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College.

Madam Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize such an accomplished and dedicated leader. I join his family, friends and colleagues in wishing him the greatest success in this new role.

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