[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 9, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF LIEUTENANT VAZQUEZ

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                     HON. JENNIFFER GONZALEZ-COLON

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2022

  Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Puerto 
Rico's Women Veterans Day with a special story that reflects the 
bravery and sacrifice of our servicemembers. Earlier this year we 
celebrated the 100th birthday of First Lieutenant Carmen Vazquez. 
Carmen was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, on February 15, 1921 and was 
raised by a single mother. She chose to enlist as a Nursing Aide during 
WWII, bucking social conventions of the time while performing essential 
medical care for the war's wounded. For her actions, she received the 
WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal, and the 
Overseas Service Bars. After a short interlude of peace, she would 
receive a piece of mail from President Dwight D. Eisenhower asking her 
to return to service once more. She again answered the call, but this 
time she served as an officer in the newly minted United States Air 
Force. Her passionate service to country reflects the very best our 
nation can offer. Her service, like the service of all those who have 
served honorably in our Armed Forces, is an example for all of us 
during these difficult times when peace is too short, and wars are too 
common. On this Women Veterans Day, I hope we may all learn from Lt. 
Vazquez's example of enduring courage in the days to come, as each of 
us are asked to sacrifice in different ways for a greater good.

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