[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 1 (Thursday, January 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MAJOR VALARIE GANDY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MARC A. VEASEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 3, 2019

  Mr. VEASEY. Madam Speaker, our men and women in uniform sacrifice to 
keep our nation strong and free. They are well-trained, extraordinarily 
capable and are some of our country's best and brightest. Among their 
ranks is Major Valarie Gandy, who I want to help recognize today for 
her service to the U.S. Army Reserve and Congress.
  Major Valarie Gandy, from Sylacauga, Alabama, was selected for the 
Army's Congressional Fellowship Program in 2015. She served as a 
Defense Fellow in my office from January to December 2016. I, along 
with my staff, greatly benefitted from her expertise, assistance, and 
advisement during the year-long assignment. During that time, Major 
Gandy became a valuable member of my team and earned my confidence to 
serve as my Military Legislative Assistant.
  She served as an advisor on all matters relating to defense, 
intelligence and veteran affairs. She researched and drafted multiple 
pieces of legislation introduced to Congress, including a provision on 
equal survivor benefits for Reserve and National Guard members in the 
2017 National Defense Authorization Act.
  After her time in my office, Major Gandy became a legislative liaison 
for the Office of the Chief of Army Reserve (OCAR) Legislative Affairs 
Division, where she oversaw the military personnel, civilian employee 
and medical portfolios.
  Major Gandy facilitated my visit to the Army Reserve Center in Grand 
Prairie, Texas in 2018. Due to her outreach efforts and effective 
communication, she became a heavily relied upon resource for 
congressional offices. For her congressional contributions and efforts, 
she has been recognized by veterans and military support organizations.
  Our military personnel do not shoulder the stress and sacrifice of 
military service alone, and Major Gandy is no exception. Her husband of 
17-years, Raphael, sons, Ty and Alex, and daughter, Blayze, have stood 
proudly by her side, sacrificing time with their wife and mother while 
she fulfilled her military commitments. To them also, we offer a truly 
heartfelt thank you.
  I proudly recognize Major Valarie Gandy's years of service to our 
nation.

                          ____________________