[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 20, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H3739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MARY WALLACE ``WALLY'' FUNK HAS LED AN AMAZING LIFE

  (Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the former 
Flying Aggie, Oklahoma State University graduate, and my Alpha Chi 
Omega sorority sister, Mary Wallace ``Wally'' Funk, who today became 
the oldest woman to have traveled to space. At 82 years old, Funk has 
led an amazing life, from breaking down gender barriers to careers in 
aviation, and now space travel.
  In my home State of Oklahoma at Fort Sill, Funk achieved many firsts, 
including the first female civilian flight instructor, first female air 
safety investigator, and the first female FAA inspector.
  Persistence is just one of the many wonderful qualities to describe 
Funk. When NASA began accepting women to go to space in the late 1970s, 
she applied three times.
  As a pioneer of the aviation and space exploration, Funk's courage, 
perseverance, and leadership has positively impacted the science 
industry, especially for women. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to 
recognize Wally Funk for her vast achievements.

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