[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1087-E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES AND FEMALE VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1054 
to express my appreciation to the one million plus female veterans 
across our Nation and the thousands of women serving in our armed 
forces today. I want to thank these brave heroines who sacrifice much 
to not only protect our safety but also defend our freedoms.
  Our brave men and women, who have chosen to join our all volunteer 
military, share not only a passion for their country but a respect for 
the ideals that it promotes. While women served honorably in World War 
I, they were not permitted to participate in the armed forces as equals 
until the passage of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 
1948. This legislation made it possible for women to serve in active 
duty and reserve military occupational specialties, other than nursing, 
and as equals to their male counterparts.
  While women are still prohibited from serving in front line military 
units, their ability to wear the uniform and assist our efforts at home 
and abroad must be commended. It is important to remember that during 
our 10 year involvement in Vietnam, eight service women lost their 
lives. More recently, 110 women have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the 
Global War on Terrorism. These brave women are not only soldiers, 
sailors, airmen and marines. They are our daughters, our mothers, our 
sisters, and our aunts. They are an integral component of our community 
and we must remember that as they deploy or are lost in action, we too 
suffer along with their families.
  As we honor those serving today and those who have served in the 
past, we must rededicate ourselves to providing the benefits and

[[Page E1088]]

care that they require and deserve. We must ensure that the proper 
medical services are available to service men and women for their use 
while on active duty and once they return home. Today, the percentage 
of women in the military is at the highest level ever. My home State of 
Ohio currently has over 65,000 female veterans. I am deeply concerned 
about the impact these high service levels are having on the well-being 
and stability of America families and I am committed to working on this 
issue in Congress.
  The 11th Congressional District of Ohio is represented by an 
outstanding group of women serving in our Nation's armed forces and our 
State's national guard. Their service and sacrifice is greatly 
appreciated and will not be forgotten.

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