Recognizing the service, sacrifice, honor, and professionalism of the Noncommissioned Officers of the United States Army.
PL 111-61 (H.J.Res.44), enacted 08/19/2009

123 STAT. 1996 
PUBLIC LAW 111–61—AUG. 19, 2009 
Public Law 111–61 
111th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Recognizing the service, sacrifice, honor, and professionalism of the Noncommis-
sioned 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 leader-
ship; 
Whereas Noncommissioned Officers are the ‘‘backbone of the Amer-
ican 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 oper-
ational and strategic awareness to interpret and issue orders 
as necessary within their duties and in the absence of commis-
sioned 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 profes-
sionalism of the Noncommissioned Officers of the United States 
Army; 
Aug. 19, 2009 
[H.J. Res. 44] 
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123 STAT. 1997 
PUBLIC LAW 111–61—AUG. 19, 2009 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 44: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 155 (2009): 
July 27, 28, considered and passed House. 
Aug. 4, considered and passed Senate. 
(2) expresses its deepest appreciation to the Noncommis-
sioned 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 Non-
commissioned Officers, past and present, in defense of the 
United States. 
Approved August 19, 2009. 
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