[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E215-E216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LEGACY OF NORTH COUNTY CIVIL SERVANT COLONEL JOAN 
                         ``JOHNNIE'' PANTANELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the 
incredible life and legacy of Colonel Joan ``Johnnie'' Pantanelli. 
Colonel Pantanelli was a lifelong civil servant and a dedicated leader 
in the Civil Air Patrol, as well as a recipient of the Congressional 
Gold Medal for her fortitude of spirit.
  Colonel Pantanelli was a trailblazer for women in civil service. She 
began her career in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1944 and dedicated the 
rest of her life to public service. Colonel Pantanelli went on to join 
the Civil Air Patrol and spent the next 80 years of her life working 
towards fulfilling its mission of serving communities, saving lives, 
and shaping futures. In 2015, she was awarded the Congressional Gold 
Medal for her service as a World War II mission observer who flew 
coastal patrol missions in search of German submarines.
  Moving up in the ranks of the Civil Air Patrol, she earned the titles 
of Squadron Commander and Colonel. Colonel Pantanelli completed each of 
the five levels in the Civil Air Patrol Training and Education program 
and also held the rating of ``Master'' in the Command and Cadet Program 
specialty tracks. Her achievements eventually led to the squadron she 
once served in being renamed in her honor, the Colonel Johnnie 
Pantanelli Composite Squadron.

[[Page E216]]

  Colonel Pantanelli loved her country unconditionally and her legacy 
will live on in the hearts of all those she impacted during her many 
years of selfless service. On behalf of New York's 21st District, it is 
my honor to remember and celebrate the life of Colonel Johnnie 
Pantanelli.

                          ____________________