[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING LUCY COFFEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2015

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lucy Coffey, 
the oldest living female veteran who passed away last week after 108 
vibrant years. Originally from Indiana, Ms. Coffey was working in a 
Dallas, Texas supermarket when she learned of the bombing of Pearl 
Harbor. Putting country before self, Ms. Coffey quit her job and joined 
the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. She bravely served in the Pacific 
Theater during World War II, earning two bronze stars and ascending to 
the rank of sergeant.
  For 13 years after her discharge in 1945, Ms. Coffey worked as an 
Army civilian in Okinawa, Japan. She ultimately settled in my hometown 
of San Antonio, where she worked in the procurement office at Kelly Air 
Force Base until her retirement in 1971.
  Last year, Ms. Coffey visited the nation's capital on an Honor 
Flight. While in Washington, she not only visited the women's memorial 
at Arlington National Cemetery and the National World War II Memorial, 
she also met with both Vice President Biden and President Obama.
  Ms. Coffey leaves behind an abundance of admirers who have sung her 
praises since her passing. President Obama cited Ms. Coffey's 
pioneering spirit and the inspiration she has provided generations of 
patriots since her service. Vice President Biden celebrated her legacy 
and said he was honored to have met her. Bexar County veterans service 
officer Queta Marquez highlighted Ms. Coffey's liveliness and spunk.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to offer Ms. Coffey's loved ones my sincere 
condolences for their loss and echo San Antonians' deep gratitude for 
her exemplary service and unwavering patriotism. She was a remarkable 
American who will be greatly missed.

                          ____________________