[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 131 (Friday, August 3, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MARY PAT SHELY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY BARR

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2018

  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Pat Shely from 
Clark County, Kentucky. Pat has deep roots in Kentucky, as her 
ancestors settled in historic Boonesboro shortly after its founding by 
Daniel Boone.
  As a young woman, Pat was a talented athlete and a champion in 
tennis, fencing, swimming, and golf. She taught herself to fly the 
Piper Cub that her father purchased for her. She was one of the first 
females allowed into the Civil Air Patrol in 1942. She served her 
nation honorably as part of the Kentucky Wing and earned the rank of 
2nd Lieutenant.
  Following her service during World War II, Pat graduated from the 
University of Kentucky in 1946. She later earned a master's degree from 
Columbia University. Pat had a career in education, teaching in 
colleges across the country. In 1963, she returned to Kentucky and 
began a career in agriculture on her family's farm in Clark County.
  Mary Pat Shely is a well-respected member of her community, a good 
steward of the land, and an American patriot. As part of what has been 
described as The Greatest Generation, she served her nation well during 
World War II. For her faithful wartime service during this time, 2nd 
Lieutenant Shely and other members of the Civil Air Patrol were awarded 
the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious award, one of the 
highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States government, was 
presented to ``unpaid volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol during 
World War II providing extraordinary humanitarian, combat, and national 
services during a critical time of need for the nation.''
  It is my honor today to recognize this extraordinary Kentucky woman, 
Mary Pat Shely.

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