[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 57 (Thursday, April 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO IRENE DAVEY

  Mr. BROWN of Massachusetts. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize 
Irene Davey of Attleboro, MA, who on January 26, 2012, turned 104 years 
of age. It is a privilege for me to join her family, friends and 
veterans everywhere in extending warm wishes to Irene.
  In March of 1943, Irene joined the U.S. Army and served until 
November 1945. Irene had a distinguished military career where she 
earned the rank of staff sergeant. She was part of a force of about 
351,000 women who served in World War II. Irene served in the Women's 
Army Auxiliary Corps and was assigned to motor transport.
  While serving in the Army, Irene directly contributed to the success 
of the motor corps by training the other women in the auxiliary corps 
to drive trucks and provide vehicle maintenance. One of her duties 
while serving in the motor corps included transporting sick and injured 
soldiers home by ambulance. She even became a recruiter, using what she 
had learned in the Army to bring in the next generation of soldiers.
  Irene understood the true meaning of shared sacrifice. The motto of 
the time was ``release a man to help your man.'' According to Irene it 
meant that if a woman could take a man's job, that man was released to 
join the armed forces. That made the armed forces stronger, helping 
your man who was in the armed forces be that much safer.
  After World War II, Irene continued her service by becoming a warden 
at the election polls in her hometown of Attleboro. Irene is an 
exceptional woman who has served her country and community in many 
ways. Irene has been a champion for veterans all her life and the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts owes her its deepest gratitude.
  There is nothing Irene likes more than hearing someone thanking a 
veteran for their service. Today, however, the Senate recognizes Irene 
Davey the poet, songwriter, and lifelong public servant.
  Irene has witnessed many wonderful events during her long and 
distinguished life. Throughout her years, she has demonstrated that one 
person can make a difference. It is people as dedicated as Irene who 
continue to make a difference in this world. Others should take notice 
and become inspired by the example that she has set.
  I would like to thank Irene for her tremendous service to our country 
and our communities. I know that her family and friends, as well as the 
people of Massachusetts are extremely proud of her selfless service.

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