[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING VICKI CODY DURING THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2007

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the Month of the Military 
Child I rise today to honor the mother of two military children, Vicki 
Cody. Army members and military families throughout the world know her 
as the wife of Army Vice Chief of Staff General Richard Cody, but today 
I want to recognize her contributions to our nation as the mother of 
Tyler and Clint Cody, two outstanding young men who grew up at military 
posts throughout the world and followed in the footsteps of their 
father serving as Army helicopter pilots.
  Standing behind her three Soldiers, Vicki Cody is the glue that holds 
her family together. For over thirty years, she has been so much more 
than a wife and mother. Her many roles include nurse, cook, teacher, 
driver, volunteer, moving crew, painter, dog walker, bill payer, and 
fixer of all things broken. On top of all that, Vicki has added one 
more title: author.
  In her years as a military spouse and the mother of two Soldiers, 
Vicki Cody saw the need to help other families facing the challenges of 
supporting their sons and daughters in uniform. Working with the 
Association of the United States Army (AUSA), her book, ``Your Soldier, 
Your Army: A Parents'' Guide,'' has reached thousands of families. At a 
time when every Soldier can expect to serve multiple combat tours, 
supporting the families they leave behind is critical.
  I'd like to read a short excerpt from Mrs. Cody's book: ``I have an 
advantage of having been part of this system for the past 30 years. I 
have a deep understanding of the military in general, and I have access 
to all kinds of information, resources, and support systems. Still, I 
know how scary it's been for me having both sons in a combat zone, and 
I think about all the parents out there who don't have that background. 
This must be very confusing and frightening for them.
  ``So, I want to use my knowledge, experiences, candor, insight--
whatever I have I want to share with other families. I'm a little old-
fashioned in that I still believe in the power of the human touch or 
connection. I also believe each of us can make a difference. Sometimes 
it's something as simple as reassuring a frightened mom or dad and 
letting them know there's a toll-free number they can call to get in 
touch with the rear detachment of their Soldier's unit, or maybe there 
are terms they don't understand, or why the mail takes so long, or why 
their Soldier hasn't been able to call for weeks. Sometimes they just 
need a little knowledge of a very complex and vast organization. I wish 
I could wrap my arms around all the parents out there.''
  From there, the book goes on to explain in simple but powerful terms 
how important family is to every Soldier. As a military mother and 
wife, Vicki describes how families can best support their loved ones in 
uniform throughout the stressful deployment process as they make 
preparations, execute their combat mission, and readjust when they 
return home.
  At a time when we are calling up our troops to bear an enormous 
burden, our military families need all the help and support we can give 
them, and Vicki Cody has stepped up to the plate again and again to 
offer her wisdom and the warmth of her heart as she speaks to the 
families of military members both in person and through her 
inspirational written words.
  I am working with the AUSA to send copies of Mrs. Cody's book to 
every Member of Congress, and I urge each of you to read it and share 
the supportive and helpful guidance with the military families who live 
in your districts. While there is not an Army post or other military 
installation in every Congressional district, our soldiers, sailors, 
airmen, and marines come from every corner of our Nation--from the 
smallest towns and biggest cities. These troops are the ambassadors of 
their hometowns as they serve in defense of our Nation throughout the 
world, and we must support them and the families they leave behind.
  Vicki Cody and her fellow military spouses and parents are unsung 
American heroes. Without the support of their families, our military 
could not accomplish their mission, and we owe every mother and father, 
sister and brother, husband and wife, son and daughter, a great debt of 
gratitude.

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