[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 28 (Friday, February 10, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E117-E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING MS. JOANNA SANSOTERRA, OUTSTANDING VETERAN ADVOCATE IN THE 
                      52ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JUAN VARGAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 10, 2023

  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Joanna Sansoterra 
of the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families in the 
San Diego Region. As the Program Coordinator of the organization, Ms. 
Sansoterra has worked tirelessly on the Onward to Opportunity program, 
which helps veterans, members of the selected reserves, and military 
spouses transition from military service to civilian life,

[[Page E118]]

  Ms. Sansoterra has been instrumental in creating and enhancing the 
Onward to Opportunity program within San Diego's Navy Region Southwest 
area, with the goal of also partnering with private sector companies 
committed to training and hiring military talent and their spouses.
  Ms. Sansoterra has dedicated her life to the service of our country. 
Before her work at the D'Aniello Institute, Ms. Sansoterra served in 
the U.S. Air Force, both in active duty and as a reservist, and she is 
now a 33-year veteran.
  As a volunteer for her community, Ms. Sansoterra has served on the 
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Defense, Veterans, and 
Military Affairs Committee, as well as on the Board of San Diego Pride. 
She also volunteers for the Foundation for Women Warriors, which helps 
to honor and empower veteran women.
  Ms. Sansoterra has also played a significant role in advancing 
equality. She was instrumental in pushing for the first military parade 
in uniform with San Diego Pride, and she was inducted into the San 
Diego LGBTQ+ Veterans Wall of Honor, recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans.
  Ms. Sansoterra lives in the City of Imperial Beach, CA, with her 
wife, Stefanie, and she recently completed her Masters in Nonprofit 
Leadership & Management at University of San Diego.
  Ms. Sansoterra was honored as the 51st District Constituent of the 
Month, during National Veterans and Military Families Month in November 
2022, for her outstanding commitment to supporting military families 
and veterans, as well as all her service and efforts that have helped 
those in need build a brighter future.