Hearing of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee - Quality of Life in the Military
Hearing
Good morning. I want to welcome everyone to today's hearing on Military Quality of Life for our service members.
Today's hearing is on the quality of life for our enlisted soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and their families. The four witnesses at the table are the senior enlisted members of their respective branches. Members should know that we have roughly 127 years in combined military experience before us today. This hearing is a great opportunity to identify areas where we can do more to help those who protect us and defend this Nation.
I would like to recognize Mr. Bishop for his opening remarks.
Our witnesses today are:
Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III
Sergeant Major Chandler is a returning witness and this will be the last time he will testify before this Committee.
Sergeant Major Chandler was sworn in on March 1, 2011
33 years of service (joined the Army in June 1981)
Sergeant Major Chandler has served in all tank crewman positions and has had multiple tours as a troop, squadron and regimental master gunner
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Michael D. Stephens
Master Chief Stephens is a first-time witness
Appointed on September 28, 2012 becoming the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer
31 years of service (entered the Navy straight from high school, 1983)
Master Chief has served as Wing Command Master Chief for the largest Helicopter Wing in the U.S. Navy
Most recently served as 16th Fleet Master Chief for U.S. Fleet Forces Command
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Michael P. Barrett
Sergeant Major Barrett is a returning witness and this will be the last time he will testify before this Committee.
Sergeant Major Barrett assumed his current post as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marines Corps on June 9, 2011
33 years of service (He enlisted in March 1981)
He was an infantry instructor, served in the Gulf War with Task Force Papa Bear, completed two combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom in March 2010 becoming the NATO Regional Command (Southwest) Command Sergeant Major for Nimruz and Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, James A. Cody
Chief Master Sergeant Cody is a returning witness
Appointed in January 2013 as the 17th Chief Master Sergeant
30 years of service (entered Air Force in 1984)
His background includes various duties in air traffic control at the unit and major-command levels
He served overseas in Germany, South Korea, Turkey and deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom.
Thank you all for taking the time to be here. Without objection, your written statements will be entered into the record. Please feel free to summarize your remarks in about five minutes each.
Source