SGM Larry L. Strickland served in the Army for 30 years. He was serving as sergeant major to the Army's deputy chief of staff for personnel when he became a victim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Family and friends of SGM Strickland instituted a memorial scholarship fund and leadership award program in 2003. The Association of the U.S. Army will administer the fund.

As a tribute to the Army NCO Corps, the Association of the United States Army established a Noncommissioned Officer Distinguished Service Medal in the year 2000. This award, named for the fifth Sergeant Major of the Army, William G. Bainbridge, USA, Retired and its first recipient is presented to a noncommissioned officer during the opening ceremony at the AUSA Annual Meeting.