[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 11 (Monday, January 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E66-E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MASTER SERGEANT LAURA A. RIOS AS VETERAN OF THE MONTH FOR 
                       MICHIGAN'S NINTH DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 22, 2024

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 
outstanding dedication and service of Master Sergeant Laura A. Rios 
(ret), our distinguished Veteran of the Month for January in Michigan's 
9th Congressional District. As the Chief Veteran Service Officer for 
the Macomb County Veterans Services Department, Sergeant Rios 
epitomizes the essence of selfless commitment to our Nation's heroes.
  Master Sergeant Rios boasts a remarkable military career that spans 
over 26 years, commencing in October 1983 when she enlisted in the Air 
Force. Her journey led her to bases in Maryland, Ohio, the United 
Kingdom, California, and Michigan, where she concluded her service as 
the First Sergeant of the 339th Recruiting Squadron in Clinton Township 
on November 1st, 2009. Her leadership and dedication during her 
military tenure have left an indelible mark on the lives of those she 
served alongside.
  In her current role, Sergeant Rios oversees a dynamic team of eight 
veteran service officers, a financial coach, and five administrative 
staff. Her responsibilities include counseling veterans on their 
benefits, facilitating enrollment in healthcare, and aiding in the 
upgrade of discharges. Her impact extends beyond the office, as she 
actively participates in community initiatives, serving on the 
Executive Council of the Human Services Coordinating Body and chairing 
the HSCB Portal of Services Committee.

[[Page E67]]

  Notably, Sergeant Rios is at the helm of the Macomb Veterans Action 
Collaborative (MVAC), where she spearheads the mission to establish a 
``No Wrong Door'' system of care. Her volunteer endeavors further 
showcase her commitment to the community, from serving as a Post 
Service Officer at the VFW Disco Post 4659 to managing the Volunteer 
Income Tax Assistance Program, preparing over 2,300 tax returns for 
veterans and low-income individuals.
  Under her extraordinary leadership, Macomb County earned the 
prestigious title of Veteran Friendly County of the Year from the 
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in 2021. Master Sergeant Laura A. 
Rios' dedication, leadership, and unwavering service make her a beacon 
of inspiration and a deserving recipient of this esteemed recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this true 
champion for those who put everything on the line in service to our 
Nation.

                          ____________________