[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CARLA JEAN MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BLAKE D. MOORE

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to 
honor the exceptional accomplishments of Carla Jean Martinez who 
currently serves as the National President for the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars of the United States (VFW) Auxiliary. She is the first veteran to 
hold this position. She is a dual member of both the VFW Auxiliary and 
the VFW and is also an All-American District Commander with VFW Post 
409 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  Ms. Martinez's life serves as an exemplary model of selfless, 
patriotic service. Born in South Carolina, she joined the United States 
Navy in 1981, embarking on an honorable career as a cryptologist until 
her retirement in 1997. Her military service spanned the globe, 
including assignments in Japan, England, Korea, Virginia, and at the 
Pentagon. Whether stationed overseas or at home, Ms. Martinez 
consistently distinguished herself through unwavering commitment to her 
country. She was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in 
recognition of her exceptional military service.
  Following her military retirement, Ms. Martinez moved to Utah and 
married Stanley Martinez in 2001. Her son, following in her footsteps, 
served in the United States Air Force. Shortly after retiring, Ms. 
Martinez joined the VFW Auxiliary and dedicated countless hours to 
serving fellow veterans through the VFW and at VA hospitals.
  I express my deep gratitude to Ms. Martinez for her decades of 
dedicated service and sacrifice. She epitomizes courage, selflessness, 
and unwavering commitment to her fellow veterans and the Nation.
  It is my honor to recognize her accomplishment as the first veteran 
to serve as the National President for the VFW Auxiliary.

                          ____________________