[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 117 (Monday, July 10, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2284-S2285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING ETHEL B. LaROCK

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I would like to honor the 
life and service of a distinguished Montanan and Korean and Vietnam war 
veteran, the late Ms. Ethel B. LaRock.
  Ethel was a native daughter of Montana, born on September 23, 1930, 
in Wolf Creek. She was raised alongside her nine older siblings in the 
Sixth Ward in Helena. Never one to shy away from service or sacrifice, 
Ethel left Montana to serve her country in the

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Korean and Vietnam wars as a nurse in the U.S. Army. Her time in 
uniform took her all across the world, from Southeast Asia to Europe. A 
decorated servicewoman, she was awarded a Bronze Star in the Korean war 
and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross in the Vietnam war for her 
heroic actions.
  After retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel, Ethel returned 
to civilian life, where she was an accomplished watercolor artist, a 
member of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, and enjoyed music, 
literature, and researching her family history. She was happiest 
surrounded by generations of her nieces and nephews, spanning all the 
way to great-great-nieces and nephews. She loved playing cards with 
them, sharing stories, and watching old movies.
  On June 22, 2023, Ethel passed away at the age of 92 at the Fort 
Harrison VA Hospital. Today, it is my honor to commemorate her service 
and life as an outstanding Montanan. On behalf of myself and a grateful 
nation, I commend Lieutenant Colonel Ethel LaRock and extend our 
deepest appreciation to her and her family. She is a true patriot who 
made Montana proud, and she will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________