[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 16 (Monday, January 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E85-E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COMMANDER SHEILA CORCORAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 29, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Indiana resident 
Commander Sheila Corcoran.
  Even within the veteran community, female veterans tend to be 
overlooked and underrecognized. This year, I am proud to honor the many 
Hoosier women veterans who continue to serve our community.
  In 2023, Commander Sheila Corcoran became the first woman appointed 
State Commander to the Department of Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars 
(VFW). Commander Corcoran carries on the VFW's noble mission. Among 
many other accomplishments, the VFW was instrumental in establishing 
the Veterans Administration, creating a GI Bill for the 20th century, 
and fighting to improve VA medical center service for women.

[[Page E86]]

  Prior to the VFW, Commander Corcoran dedicated 24 years to the Armed 
Forces, serving in Germany in 1984 before joining the Army Reserves at 
Fort Harrison and in Baghdad, Iraq from 2006 through 2008. In Iraq, 
Commander Corcoran supported Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Civil Affairs 
Officer in charge of a Civil Military Operations Center. Prior to her 
current role with the VFW, Commander Corcoran served as VFW All-
American Post Commander and All-American VFW District Commander. She 
has held many positions at the state and national level and has been 
recognized with the Department of Indiana Commander's Eisenhower Award. 
In addition to her service to our country, Commander Corcoran also 
serves countless patients through her work as a registered nurse at 
Witham Hospital in Lebanon, Indiana.
  A true trailblazer with a servant's heart, Commander Corcoran will 
continue to leave her mark. Our state is honored to benefit from her 
leadership.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Commander Corcoran for 
her ongoing service to the Indianapolis community and beyond.

                          ____________________