[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2323-S2324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO BEA ABRAMS COHEN

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I salute the life and 
achievements of Bea Abrams Cohen, who at 102 years old is California's 
oldest living woman veteran. Still active in veterans and community 
affairs, Mrs. Cohen was recently the guest of honor at a California 
Department of Veterans Affairs, CalVet, reception honoring the 
achievements of women in the military during Women's Military History 
Week.
  As CalVet noted, ``Women have contributed to the rich military 
history of our country even before they were officially allowed to 
serve. The first known American woman soldier was Deborah Sampson of 
Massachusetts who, disguised as a man, served in the Revolutionary War. 
Throughout the history of our country, women have consistently shown 
themselves as dedicated patriots, willing to put their lives on the 
line in order to protect our nation and the freedoms of our people.''
  The life of Bea Cohen is a living testament to the incredible 
contributions our service women make each and every day. Born in 
Romania in 1910, Bea Abrams came to America through Ellis Island in 
1920 with her mother, brother, and sister. When the United States 
entered World War II, Bea vowed to do all she could to help her adopted 
country. She went to school to learn the machinist trade and then 
worked at Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica as a real-life Rosie 
the Riveter.
  Though she loved this work, Bea wanted to do more. In 1942, at age 
33, she joined the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, WAAC, turning down a 
salary increase at Douglas. After going through basic training in Iowa, 
she did administrative work for the WAAC in Utah and Colorado.
  By 1943, Bea took a second oath to become part of the new Women's 
Army Corps, WAC, which unlike the WAAC was now a part of the Regular 
Army. She was soon shipped overseas. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean on a 
ship that zigzagged to avoid enemy submarines, Bea arrived in England 
just in time for D-day. There, she worked in Army headquarters 
producing documents and operating a low-cost printing machine called a 
mimeograph. After 2 years of service, Bea was honorably discharged and 
returned to Los Angeles.
  In late 1945, Bea met Marine MSgt Ray Cohen through family friends. 
Ray Cohen had served in the Pacific and had been a prisoner of War on 
the Philippine island of Corregidor for 3\1/2\ years. Bea and Ray were 
married the following year and had two daughters, Janiece and Susan. 
Later, during the Korean war, Ray was deployed for over

[[Page S2324]]

a year while Bea raised the girls and volunteered with the Jewish War 
Veterans of the United States.
  After Ray retired in 1955, the Cohens remained active with the Jewish 
War Veterans. To this day, Bea volunteers at the Veterans Affairs 
Medical Center in Los Angeles. For her 102nd birthday party, Bea 
displayed her lifelong dedication to troops by asking her guests to 
bring socks for veterans rather than presents for herself. Bea has 
dedicated more than 70 years to providing support for American troops 
and their families. She is an enduring reminder of the contributions of 
this nation's veterans.
  Mr. President, I know all of my colleagues will join me today in 
honoring Bea Abrams Cohen.

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