[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 173 (Wednesday, January 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING SENIOR AIRMAN VERONICA COX ON HER EFFORTS FOLLOWING THE 2011 
                          EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 2, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior 
Airman Veronica Cox of Lorton, Virginia, for demonstrating exceptional 
personal and moral courage during humanitarian assistance after the 9.0 
magnitude earthquake that hit northeast Japan on March 11th, 2011.
  Airman Cox volunteered for humanitarian assistance duty and was part 
of the advanced command element in the town of Sanriku-cho as an 
intelligence analyst. Being able to communicate fluently in Japanese, 
she was able to greatly assist in integrating the Japanese-U.S. 
response within the crucial first 24 hours as well as the days that 
followed. She met with the village elder and clearly communicated 
necessary medical and survival instructions. She flew with nine search 
and rescue teams and directly enabled the delivery of 3,000 pounds of 
food, water and medical supplies
  Three days after the earthquake, Airman Cox was able to recognize the 
Japanese characters asking for help spelled out by rocks on the roof of 
a senior-care facility. A further investigation led to the discovery of 
200 Japanese civilians within the rubble of the building.
  For her service during the crisis, Airman Cox and the aircrew 
received recognition from the Emperor of Japan. She received the Air 
Force Commendation Medal and was selected as a linguist for the 5th Air 
Force Vice Command during U.S. and Japanese Ministry of Defense-level 
meetings. She also received recognition and awards from the Japan Self-
Defense forces and civilian organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Senior 
Airman Veronica Cox for her tremendous service to our nation and her 
valiant humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan.

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