[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E345-E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE WORK OF MS. MAXINE FLOURNOY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2010

  Mr. ORTIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work and 
dedication of a true patriot, Maxine Flournoy who today receives the 
Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for her service as an airforce 
service pilot during World War II.

[[Page E346]]

  She is among 300 surviving women who served as Women Airforce Service 
Pilots during World War II. During the war, 1,102 women pilots served.
  Ms. Flournoy completed a pilot training program in early 1941 at a 
junior college in Joplin, Missouri, and while working as a grinder at a 
defense plant, she learned about the military needing women to serve as 
pilots.
  Shortly after that, Ms. Flournoy was en route to Kansas City on a bus 
to volunteer. She trained for about one year. The Women Airforce 
Service Pilots logged 60 million miles in missions across the United 
States; however, during their time in the military, they did not have 
the benefits offered equally to other service members.
  In 1977, the Women Airforce Service Pilots were granted status as 
veterans of this country. I am moved to learn these women served our 
country during a time of hardship, and thank them for their service to 
our nation.
  Today, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to honor 
the work, service and dedication of Ms. Flournoy, who is among 300 
surviving women who served this country during World War II.

                          ____________________