[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 46 (Thursday, March 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF MARGARET PERKINS, CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL 
                               RECIPIENT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2018

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Margaret 
Perkins, a Civil Air Patrol volunteer from New York's 21st District who 
is being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
  Margaret was born on November 17, 1917, and attended Rochester 
Institute of Technology, Skidmore College, ahd Columbia University. 
After training to fly aircraft at the Lewis Lavery Air School in Round 
Lake, New York, Margaret received her pilot's license from the Civil 
Aeronautics Authority in 1943 at only twenty-four years old, and became 
the first female licensed pilot in Saratoga County. As a member of the 
Civil Air Patrol during World War II, Margaret flew anti-sabotage 
missions to ensure the security of dams and other structures. She also 
shuttled single-engine military observation aircraft between airports 
at the request of the U.S. Government.
  In gratitude and recognition of her service in the Civil Air Patrol 
during World War II, Margaret is being honored with the Congressional 
Gold Medal. The Medal is the highest civilian award presented by the 
U.S. Congress as its highest expression of national appreciation for 
outstanding contributions.
  It is no doubt that Margaret contributed significantly to U.S. 
success in World War II, and I am extremely proud to rise today in 
honor of her achievements. New York's 21st District is forever grateful 
for Margaret's courageous service to her country.

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