[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IRENE PARSONS SHATTERED MANY GLASS CEILINGS IN HER YEARS OF SERVICE

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                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2011

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Irene Parsons, 
of Wilkes County, North Carolina, who passed away last week.
  Parsons was a woman who knew a thing or two about shattering glass 
ceilings. After she graduated from the Women's College of the 
University of North Carolina in 1941, she then went on to graduate with 
the first class of the Women's Reserve of the Coast Guard, known as 
SPARS. She then served at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington.
  After the war Parsons worked at the Veterans Administration. She was 
eventually appointed by President Johnson as director of personnel at 
the Veterans Administration. At the time, the VA was the second largest 
government agency with over 200,000 employees and Parsons was the only 
female director of personnel for a major government agency.
  Later, in 1972, Parsons was honored with a Career Service Award from 
President Nixon for her many years of service to our nation. She was 
also the first woman to receive the VA's coveted Silver Helmet award. 
Parson's also received the Federal Women's Award during her service in 
the federal government.
  After retirement from government service she returned to her home in 
Wilkes County where she remained very active in the community. Irene 
Parsons made many strides for women during a time in which men still 
filled most leadership roles in government and business. Her life is an 
inspiring example for today's generation of young female leaders. She 
will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with her family 
and loved ones who mourn this great loss.

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