[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF ROSE KERSTETTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate and honor the 
career, service, and 100th birthday of Oneida resident, Ms. Rose 
Kerstetter.
   A 23-year-old working in North Dakota, she enlisted in the Women's 
Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in 1943--the middle of World War II. Told 
that there was no rifle training for women, Ms. Kerstetter paid for 
personal rifle lessons and earned a Marksman's Badge. Nine months after 
her enlistment into the WAAC, when the WAAC became the Women's Army 
Corps (WAC), she became officially enlisted in the U.S. Army.
   Ms. Kerstetter originally served as a stenographer and was 
headquartered in Camp Hood, Texas. Demonstrating great initiative and 
leadership, she was eventually promoted to Staff Sergeant. It was at 
this rank that Ms. Kerstetter was honorably discharged, only after her 
brother, a Marine, was wounded. We owe Ms. Kerstetter, and her brother, 
a great debt for their service to our country.
  Ms. Kerstetter's commitment to her community did not end after her 
honorable discharge. For more than 20 years, she has volunteered in her 
community through art. A greatly skilled potter, she strengthens her 
community and demonstrates pride in her Oneida heritage by teaching 
pottery to anyone who wants to learn. It is this type of dedication 
that has earned her national artistic and cultural recognition, 
including a 2002 Community Spirit Award Honoree and a 2004 Cultural 
Capital Fellow.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in 
recognizing Ms. Kerstetter's commitment to protecting and serving our 
country, and her dedication to her Wisconsin community. These 
accomplishments are worthy of the highest commendation.

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