Tony Thurmond: “even those who possess essentially no knowledge of military affairs or military history understand the significance of…”

“even those who possess essentially no knowledge of military affairs or military history understand the significance of the green beret worn by those who serve in the United States Army Special Forces, as well as what that headgear indicates about the soldier wearing it. Established in the early days of the cold war, the Green Berets were intended to be a versatile, unconventional force that could do everything from serve as instructors and advisors to carryout both humanitarian and direct action missions. Over the past almost fifty years, those who have served in the Special Forces have established a well deserved and well respected reputation for bravery, dedication to duty, and patriotism. There is ample reason that so many people, not only in the United States but throughout the world, know just how special an individual the man who wears the Green Beret is. Today, I rise to pay tribute to one of those men. Major Preston Johnson, who has left his assignment at the Special Operations Command Office of Legislative Affairs to attend the Marine Corps Command and General Staff College.”