[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 97 (Thursday, July 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING JESSICA L. WRIGHT UPON PROMOTION TO GENERAL

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                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2001

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, a wise person once said, ``All glory comes 
from daring to begin.'' This is certainly true of the person I rise 
today to honor. Jessica Wright is a constituent from my district who 
has just recently achieved the rank of Brigadier General.
  This is an honor and a first. For you see, the newly appointed 
general is the first woman to achieve this rank in the Pennsylvania 
National Guard. This achievement is the result of twenty-six years of 
dedication and duty.
  General Wright has been a pioneer of sorts. Throughout her career in 
the National Guard she was daring enough to be the first to blaze 
trails where there were none. She was the first female aviator in the 
Army National Guard when she completed the officer's rotary wing 
aviator course at Fort Rucker in Alabama.
  General Wright was also the first female to become a combat commander 
in the rank of colonel in the Army. She achieved this prestigious honor 
when she was took command of the 28th Infantry Division stationed at 
Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker and Members of the House, General Wright has served her 
country with distinction. I ask that you join me in honoring this fine 
soldier for her service to the United States and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.

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