[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 59 (Monday, April 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING BONNIE SUE GRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 4, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with 
Congressman Jared Huffman, to honor Bonnie Sue Graham for her 
outstanding career at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department, helping our 
veterans secure the proper care they need and deserve.
  Mrs. Graham was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in the 
nearby suburb of Winthrop, where she attended public school. She then 
graduated from Tufts University, where she earned a bachelor's degree 
in occupational therapy. Following her graduation, Mrs. Graham spent 
years in the private sector, working at medical centers in Connecticut 
and New Mexico. Eventually, she became the vice president of the 
Lovelace Health System, the largest healthcare provider in New Mexico.
  After her service at Lovelace Health System, Mrs. Graham became a 
senior administrator at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque. 
In 2007, Mrs. Graham became Associate Director of the U.S. Department 
of Veterans Affairs. Later, in 2013, Mrs. Graham became the director of 
the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, where she 
cultivated a culture of support, openness, and a commitment to 
excellence.
  As Director, Mrs. Graham has served on numerous national Veterans 
Affairs committees and mentored several Veterans Affairs executives and 
administrators. In 2000, she began a trailblazing program to educate 
Veterans Affairs workers on how to address matters of diversity and 
equity, an effort that has achieved widespread recognition today.
  As Mrs. Graham prepares to retire from her excellent service at the 
end of this month, she looks forward to spending more time with her 
husband, Glenn, and their son, Garrett.
  Madam Speaker, it is evident that Bonnie Sue Graham has spent her 
life serving and supporting our brave service members. Therefore, it is 
fitting and proper that we honor her here today.

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