battaglia is an advisor to the joint chiefs of staff.e is the senior noncommissioned officer in the armed forces. he serves as the principal military adviser to the chairman, the secretary of defense, on all matters involving a joint and utilization, the health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel. he is the recipient of many, many prestigious military honors, awards, and decorations, including the bronze star, purpleheart, and others. his wife, mrs. ban ki m battagls also here tonight. the men and women around the room in uniform are here to represent their colleagues in the five services of our country. we applaud them and had an opportunity right before dinner was served to have them backstage in get photographs with members like general powell and all of the honorees, which was a great treat for them. each of them said it was a bigger treat for them to get their picture taken with these enlisted men and women. as an old army sergeant, i would say in bringing sergeant major battaglia up here, for a marine, a he i

[laughter] sergeant major bryan battaglia, come on up. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪ >> members of the atlantic county, guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. as i stand before you, let me thank you for this prestigious honor. those who have served and those who are serving as members of our armed forces. we are extremely grateful -- [applause] thank you. we are extremely grateful to be recognized alongside others here this evening. allow me to express my appreciation for what you do. as our senior officer and a lifelong member to this profession, it is humbling to represent an enlisted corps of over 1 million men and women, a diverse and powerful composition reaching all walks of life. no corner of our country untouched which has continuously involved to our inventory of dynamic leaders. traditionally referred to as the backbone of our military, are forced brings a robust strength, skills, and the grit to carry a heavy load. across the years, we have witnessed a transformation of craftsmen to a 21st century multitalented enlisted corps that comp

battaglia, is here tonight, who also deserves recognition. the men and women in uniform that are around the room here tonight in uniform are here to represent their colleagues in the five services of our country, and we applaud them and had an opportunity right before dinner was served to have them backstage, get photographs with rather significant military leaders like general powell, and all the honorees, which was a great treat for them. each of those on said, including general powell, it was a bigotry for them, the honorees, to get their picture taken with these enlisted men and women. as an old army sergeant, i would say in bringing sergeant major battaglia up here, for a marine, he is not done a bad job, he's all right. [laughter] sergeant major bryan battaglia, please, up. [applauseup.please come up. [applause] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ >> senator hagel, members of the atlantic council, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. as i stand before you illuminated with pride, let me thank you for this prestigious honor you bestowed upon e

i would personally like to congratulate marine sergeant major brian battaglia, i hope i say that rightwho is to receive an award tonight recognizing the united states armed forces contribution to the defense of freedom. using our fortunate position william and i have sought to raise awareness of the challenges confronting our wounded to help mobilize support and resources for them. we have tried to do what we can to ensure that sefs men and women and their families leave the military with purpose, with hope and with confidence. whether in their working environments or in the wider community, these fine people, examples to invaluable contribution to make. last year, i struggled to keep up with four british soldiers who i joined for part of their expedition to walk to the north pole. each of these men had been gravely wounded on the battlefields of afghanistan. theirs was the fastest team to reach the pole that season and at this very moment, another team of our wounded are returning from mt. everest. sadly, i have to be the first to say that i understand they have been frustrated from r