[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 57 (Thursday, April 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MRS. ANNETTE G. KRAMER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, Annette Kramer, formerly of Detroit, and 
the youngest of eight children, was a remarkable, courageous woman who 
spent most of her life in the service of others, yet she never sought 
recognition or spoke of her deeds or accomplishments. A Marine wife and 
mother for more than 35 years, Annette lived a life of quiet sacrifices 
and countless hardships yet her generosity and selflessness knew no 
bounds as evidenced so many times throughout her life. She was 
extremely proud to be a part of the Marine Corps family, stoically 
supporting her daughter and husband through numerous deployments into 
harm's way. A woman of integrity, honor and fierce loyalty, Annette 
chose not to ignore the needs of those around her and was always there 
to lend a helping hand. For more than two decades, Annette served as a 
mentor to her friends and other military wives by helping them navigate 
through a wide array of local and military cultures, address family 
requirements, and provide help to those in need of counseling and 
support. Annette supported numerous combat Wounded Warriors and their 
families during their recovery phases at both Walter Reed and Bethesda 
Military Medical Centers and spent countless hours providing support 
and assistance to the wives and families of fallen Marines. She 
continually gave a helping hand to Veterans of all services and found 
time to volunteer at her local ASPCA helping animals in need. Annette 
was a life member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, an Honor Flight 
volunteer, and was active and respected throughout her local community.
   In the aftermath of 9/11, Annette spent long hours working at the 
Pentagon crash site as a volunteer member of the Pentagon Search and 
Recovery Task Force night shift, after working her regular day job. 
Receiving, organizing and distributing necessary supplies and equipment 
to task force personnel, Annette ensured that everyone had what they 
needed to complete their arduous tasks.
   In 2003, during the early days of the Iraq war, there were equipment 
shortfalls for our warriors going into combat. Tirelessly ambitious, 
Annette organized several fund raising drives in order to send hundreds 
of much needed hydration systems to forward deployed Marines in Iraq. 
This effort was well received and had a very positive impact on combat 
forces conducting operations throughout Iraq. Over the years, she 
frequently helped organize and participate in drives supporting our 
deployed military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq with equipment, 
care packages and other services to enhance capability, morale and let 
the brave men and women fighting for our freedom know that their 
sacrifices did not go unnoticed.
   Every December for more than a decade, Annette helped with the 
laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. A proud American, 
upon returning home from Arlington, she would be filled with emotion 
having spent the day on hallowed ground in the company of so many 
fallen heroes.
   A docent at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Annette was 
adored by the staff and visitors alike, resulting in the museum 
generously installing a permanent name plate in her memory in their 
rotunda.
   Annette was highly regarded at all levels, from homeless Veterans to 
senior leaders, because she truly cared about those who served and her 
community. Although Annette left this world prematurely, her memory 
will endure in the many hearts of those who were fortunate to have 
known her. Annette was interred in Arlington National Cemetery on 
October 26, 2015. More than 250 of those whose lives she touched 
attended her memorial service and interment ceremony, from military 
professionals representing all the armed services, to civilians from 
all walks of life. They traveled from throughout the U.S. as well as 
overseas bases to honor her.
   Annette Kramer was a shining star who gave so much to her family, 
those who served and this great nation. Her family, friends and the 
military community will miss her dearly and honor her as a valiant 
American.

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