RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROCKY LYNNE CARR, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

On 2026-10-15, Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX-17) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROCKY LYNNE CARR, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION" in the House.

RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROCKY LYNNE CARR, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 161 (Thursday, October 15, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1088-E1089] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROCKY LYNNE CARR, U.S. ARMY (RET.), WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION ______ HON. PETE SESSIONS of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, October 15, 2026 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Rocky Lynne Carr, a distinguished United States Army veteran and a resident of Lufkin, Texas, who has devoted more than three decades of his life to serving our Nation and his fellow Americans. Command Sergeant Major Carr served 31 years in the United States Army, culminating his career as the 17th Command Sergeant Major of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the Army Service Component Command to the United States Transportation Command. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, from leading Soldiers at the company level to serving as a senior enlisted leader for major Army organizations in the United States, Europe, and around the world. His military service included two deployments to Iraq, two deployments to Bosnia, and a deployment to Kuwait. His service in these demanding environments required exceptional leadership, discipline, and dedication to the Soldiers under his command. Among his many military decorations and awards, Command Sergeant Major Carr received the Bronze Star Medal twice for his service during deployments to Iraq, as well as multiple awards recognizing his leadership, achievement, and meritorious service. [[Page E1089]] Throughout his career, Rocky understood that leadership was about more than accomplishing a mission. It was about taking care of people. He placed a strong emphasis on developing future leaders, building cohesive teams, maintaining readiness, and supporting Soldiers, civilians, and military families. His commitment to mentorship and professional development was further demonstrated through his involvement with the Sergeant Morales Club and his efforts to develop generations of non-commissioned officers. After retiring from active military service in March 2022, Command Sergeant Major Carr continued his commitment to serving others. Rather than stepping away from service, he brought his decades of military leadership and organizational experience home to East Texas. Today, he serves without compensation as the Co-Founder and Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Make it Happen Missions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with individuals and communities facing genuine needs. Through this organization, he helps organize volunteers, establish community partnerships, coordinate service projects, secure resources, and turn identified needs into tangible results. In just the last two years, Make it Happen Missions has generated more than $320,000 in cost avoidance for East Texas families, churches, and nonprofits, while coordinating more than 5,000 volunteer hours involving 487 volunteers and 109 collaborations with community organizations. One example of this service is the organization's partnership with the Texas Ramp Project, through which Command Sergeant Major Carr and fellow volunteers have helped construct accessibility ramps for elderly residents and individuals with disabilities. These projects provide safer access to homes and help individuals maintain their independence and dignity. His community service extends well beyond ramp construction. He has helped with home repairs, assistance to veterans, support for elderly and disabled residents, community cleanups, emergency assistance, and efforts supporting underserved communities across East Texas. Since 2024, he has personally devoted countless hours to directing, planning, and coordinating these efforts. Rocky has also helped transform a severely deteriorated warehouse into a functional headquarters and operations center for Make it Happen Missions. Through volunteer labor, donated resources, community partnerships, and careful stewardship, he helped create a facility where volunteers can be trained, equipped, and dispatched to meet the needs of their communities. Mr. Speaker, Rocky represents the very best traditions of military and community service. His commitment to others did not end when he retired from the Army. Instead, he carried the values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, compassion, and service from his military career into a new mission--serving the people of East Texas. His 31 years of military service, combat deployments, senior enlisted leadership, commitment to mentoring Soldiers, and continued dedication to his community are worthy of recognition. It is my honor to recognize Command Sergeant Major Rocky L. Carr as a recipient of the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation for the 17th Congressional District of Texas. I commend him for his extraordinary record of service to our Nation and for continuing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his fellow East Texans. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Command Sergeant Major Rocky L. Carr for his distinguished military service and his continued commitment to serving others. ____________________