HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ANGELA ELLIS

HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ANGELA ELLIS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E183] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ANGELA ELLIS ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Angela Ellis, a distinguished alumna of Mississippi Valley State University, for her historic service and leadership within the Mississippi Army National Guard. On April 2, 1998, at the age of 17, Command Sergeant Major Ellis enlisted as a Private (E-1). After more than two decades of dedicated service, she achieved a historic milestone when she was promoted to Sergeant Major (E-9), becoming the first female promoted to this rank within the 210th Finance Support Group. She also made history as the first African American female Command Sergeant Major in the State of Mississippi. Command Sergeant Major Ellis' achievement is especially noteworthy, as fewer than one percent of enlisted soldiers in the Mississippi National Guard attains the rank of Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the United States Army. Her career reflects sustained excellence, leadership, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of soldiers. A native of Yazoo City, Command Sergeant Major Ellis is a graduate of Yazoo City High School. She attended Mississippi Valley State University from 1998 to 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During her time at the university, she participated in the ROTC program, was a member of the softball team--where she earned All-SWAC honors as a catcher--and also served as a statistician for both the football and basketball programs. She was initiated into the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Command Sergeant Major Ellis began her military career as a Finance Specialist assigned to Headquarters, 210th Finance Battalion. She completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Jackson, earning the military occupational specialty of 73C, Finance Specialist. She later obtained the 51C Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Contracting Noncommissioned Officer specialty, further expanding her professional military expertise. Throughout her career, Command Sergeant Major Ellis has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leadership development, mentorship, and service. Her career progression reflects the importance of representation and opportunity within the armed services, following in the path of pioneering leaders such as Kamala Harris, who have helped broaden opportunities for women and minorities in leadership roles. In her civilian capacity, Command Sergeant Major Ellis serves with the United States Property and Fiscal Office as a contracting officer within the Purchasing and Contracting Division. She remains actively engaged in her community as a member of the Omega Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the National Guard Association of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Command Sergeant Major Angela Ellis for her exemplary service to our Nation, her groundbreaking achievements, and her continued commitment to leadership, mentorship, and community service. ____________________