[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MARY JO MAY

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Madam President, today I wish to 
publicly commend Mary Jo May of Kyle, SD, on her impressive research 
and dedication to the preservation of Native American service members' 
history.
  Mary Jo May, a student at Black Hills State University, was a proud 
participant in the prestigious Washington Internship for Native 
Students, WINS, program. While in Washington, DC, Mary Jo worked at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs to preserve the great history of Native 
American service members through detailed research and analysis. She 
conducted research at the Library of Congress, the National Archives, 
the Women's Memorial Archives, and many other museums.
  Through her research, the VA produced an exhibit detailing the 
stories and groundbreaking actions of several Native American service 
women, including the challenges and hardships the women overcame to 
achieve greatness in their military careers. Mary Jo's exhibit was 
selected for display at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National 
Cemetery and soon will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institute's 
National Museum of the American Indian.
  Mary Jo was awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship for her academic 
achievement, community involvement, and leadership ability. Mary Jo's 
goal is to bring her exhibit and research to South Dakota and have it 
be displayed at the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Hot Springs 
and Sturgis. She hopes to someday share her passion for learning as a 
teacher.
  It is with great honor that I share her impressive accomplishments 
with my colleagues. Mary Jo's commitment to her history embodies what 
is great about South Dakota. I am proud to recognize her, and I look 
forward to seeing what else this remarkable young woman 
accomplishes.

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