[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE INSPIRING LIFE OF RIA BAUMGARTNER FRANCOMB

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                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rita Baumgartner 
Francomb, who lived an inspiring life as the first women to enlist in 
any of the women's military organizations during World War II from 
Elizabeth, Illinois.
  Ms. Francomb trained at Hunter College in New York City and was sworn 
into the Women's Auxiliary Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) for the 
Navy in Chicago, Illinois in 1943. She was a chief secretary of 
correspondence at the Naval Supply Depot in Oakland, California, 
attaining the rank of Yeoman First Class. After her Naval career, she 
resumed her position as assistant cashier at Elizabeth Bank.
  It is because of dedicated women such as Ms. Rita Baumgartner 
Francomb that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th 
Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally 
honor Ms. Rita Baumgartner Francomb's life and her service to this 
great country.

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