[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE EXTRAORDINARY EFFORTS OF THREE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN 
                        FROM ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Bustos) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we celebrate Black History 
Month across our Nation. And I want to recognize the extraordinary 
efforts of three African American women from Rockford, Illinois, who 
have honorably served three separate branches of our Armed Forces. Our 
Nation is indebted to them.
  Later this week, the stories of Margaret Patricia Whelcher, Lana 
McCants, and Milana Herman will be displayed to the public at the 
Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum in Rockford, Illinois.
  Their contributions to our country have been chronicled by local 
students from Harlem High School as part of the annual Harlem Veterans 
Project, and they have conducted interviews, shot videos, and have 
photographs and more.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to bring attention to 
their sacrifices and thank them for their service today.
  Margaret Patricia Whelcher, she served in the United States Air Force 
from 1988 to 1991 and achieved the rank of senior airman.
  Lana McCants, she served in the United States Navy from 1991 to 1997 
and achieved the rank of operation specialist 3rd class.
  Milana Herman served in the United States Army from 1989 to 1994 and 
achieved the rank of staff sergeant.
  In addition to their distinguished military service, these veterans 
have worked to better our community. Lana is an active member of the 
American Legion Post 340, while Margaret and Milana routinely 
participate in local stand-downs, where they offer a variety of support 
services for at-risk veterans.
  I am proud to see them represent our community with such distinction 
and such honor. Their selfless commitment to country and community sets 
a strong example for the leaders of tomorrow. It is crucial that their 
inspirational stories are spread far and wide.
  That is why I applaud the work of those students participating in the 
Harlem Veterans Project. These students have sought to build a unique 
bond with members of the community and raise the voices of those around 
them.
  Institutions like the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum in Rockford, 
which will feature these incredible women, tell the stories of so many 
who have made an immense impact on the lives of those across our 
region. It is only fitting that the stories of Margaret, Lana, and 
Milana will be displayed with the rest of them.
  We must never forget those who paved the path before us. Stories like 
theirs make up the very fabric of our Nation. They should be cherished 
and celebrated.

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