[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 93 (Thursday, May 27, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S3891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO NELL ``MICKEY'' STEVENSON BRIGHT

 Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I am honored to recognize the 
incredible life and achievements of veteran Nell ``Mickey'' Stevenson 
Bright, a pioneer of aviation during the Second World War and a proud 
Utahn. Nell earned her silver wings from the Army Air Corp as one of a 
highly select group of women serving in the WASP program, or Women 
Airforce Service Pilots. These brave women flew over 60 million miles 
in support of the war effort and were finally awarded the Congressional 
Gold Medal in 2009 in recognition of their valor.
  As a young woman, Nell looked to the sky and saw an opportunity to 
chart her own course. After learning to fly at age 19, Nell undertook 
an ambitious new challenge--applying her aviation abilities to serve in 
the military. While the war raged around the world, Nell applied and 
was accepted to train with the Army Air Corps in Sweetwater, TX. 
Accustomed to the intense heat, wind, and dust as a daughter of Canyon, 
TX, Nell proved her talents in conditions that would trouble any 
uninitiated pilot. Crosswind landings were second nature to the young 
pilot-in-training, and she quickly earned her silver wings. She was one 
of 1,074 women to achieve this prestigious distinction from over 25,000 
applicants.
  WASPs flew every airplane the Army had in order to execute a variety 
of wartime support operations. Nell flew the B-25 twin-engine bomber, 
P-47 pursuit planes, and multiple Navy bombers. WASPs transported 
planes and cargo from manufacturers to bases, towed targets for live 
anti-aircraft gun practice, and simulated strafing missions. With 
friendly anti-aircraft guns firing live rounds at the women in the sky, 
even their training exercises were extraordinarily dangerous. Thirty-
eight WASPs lost their lives over the course of their service. Their 
sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten.
  Successfully navigating military aircraft through the skies of war is 
a challenge for the most decorated pilots, but the WASPs faced 
adversity on the ground, too. Unfortunately, discrimination was present 
on base. As women, the WASPs were told not to eat in the officer's mess 
hall, instructions they promptly ignored. The Tuskegee Airmen, the 
first Black pilots in the service, also faced similar barriers on base. 
The WASPs spoke up in their defense, and the commanding officer 
assented. When the 20 airmen were required to sit segregated, the WASPs 
refused to accept the injustice and joined them.
  WASPs would continue their fight for recognition after the war, 
contesting their civil service classification despite holding military 
officer status. In 1977, the WASPs received veteran status, which 
granted them their well-earned and hard-fought benefits.
  Nell is a pioneer of military aviation, and her legacy will continue 
to inspire the next generation of public servants, particularly young 
women. By virtue of her bravery and valor, she helped break gender 
barriers in the military and contributed to the ever-growing diversity 
in our ranks today. After her service, Nell established a successful 
career as a stockbroker in Arizona and continued to challenge 
traditional gender norms.
  Today, Nell calls our great State of Utah home. In 2014, she received 
the Minute Man Award from the Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels 
Corps for her service to her country and community. She also earned the 
2014 Leadership and Excellence Award from Brigham Young University, 
ROTC.
  Nell Stevenson Bright celebrates her 100th birthday on June 20. Our 
State and our country owe her a debt of gratitude for her courage, 
valor, and groundbreaking public service. Thank you, Nell.

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