[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 125 (Friday, July 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING BRAD AND CAROL WHITMORE AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brad and Carol 
Whitmore, two remarkable veterans, as Iowans of the Week. Over the 
Fourth of July weekend, I couldn't think of better honorees than two 
individuals who not only served our country for many years but have 
since continued their service to the country by doing incredible work 
to support and advocate for fellow veterans.
  Carol Whitmore served in the U.S. Army, and has been honored with 
over 20 medals, ribbons, and badges from her 36 years of service. 
Following her service, Carol earned a Gold Legacy Life membership with 
the VFW Post 9127 in Des Moines. She has served in many leadership 
roles, ranging from the Post, District, and Department levels to the 
National stage. Carol is a member of the Governor's Veterans Council 
and sits on the National Council as a representative for the Iowa VFW. 
As a legislative advocate on both local and national levels, she 
continues to fight for veteran's rights.
  Carol is particularly passionate about women's issues and helping 
homeless veterans at the Des Moines Homeless Shelter. When asked what 
she is especially proud of, Carol mentioned becoming a State Commander 
for the VFW and working with homeless veterans in the state.
  Brad Whitmore, a native of Des Moines, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 
1970 and volunteered to go to Vietnam a year later. He then served one 
tour and volunteered again for a second tour, then received an 
Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1976. Brad reenlisted in the Army 
Reserve in 1988 and found employment in the civilian world as a 
surgical tech, later earning an associate degree from Des Moines Area 
Community College for Nursing in 1994. The same year, Brad changed his 
civilian job to become a surgical nurse and was promoted to Second 
Lieutenant in the Army. In 1999, he and Carol married, and Brad retired 
in 2005 after 26 years of service.
  After his retirement, Brad was elected Quarter Master of his VFW post 
in Beaverdale in 2012 and was elected four years later as Quarter 
Master of Iowa's 5th District. Brad became Chairman of Iowa's National 
Legislative Committee, and he continues to do legislative work raising 
awareness about veteran's issues on the national level. His current 
project is working on the Richard Starr Act, which aims to protect 
medically discharged veterans. Brad said he is most proud of supporting 
his wife and admires all that she does to improve the lives of 
veterans.
  I want to thank the Whitmores not only for the years they served in 
the Army, but for all the work they continue to do, and for the time 
they have dedicated to helping veterans. I am inspired by Brad and 
Carol's stories, and I am committed to supporting our nation's 
veterans, just as they both are. It is my pleasure to recognize Brad 
and Carol Whitmore as Iowans of the Week.

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