[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E287-E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING LISA A. WILKEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 26, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a Hoosier whose 
service to country and community has endured for over three decades. 
Lisa Wilken is a former airman and advocate who has dedicated her 
career to uplifting her fellow veterans.
  Lisa's service began in the United States Air Force and continues 
today through her work with veteran service organizations as a fierce 
advocate for veteran-friendly legislation at both the Indiana 
Statehouse and the United States Congress.
  As an active member of multiple veteran organizations, Lisa has 
advocated for veterans at every stage. Far too often the assistance 
veterans require post-service is not accessible, or just nonexistent. 
Lisa's experience in the Air Force enabled her to become an advocate 
for lifechanging legislation at the Indiana Statehouse, including 
securing tax exemptions for disabled veterans, Veteran Service Officer 
accreditation, tuition coverage and free programs for dependents of 
disabled veterans, and the creation of the State Women Veteran 
Coordinator position at the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
  Lisa has prioritized recognizing and serving overlooked 
constituencies in the military community, especially women veterans. 
She testified before Congress to raise awareness for the lack of 
funding for military sexual trauma veterans. In 2017, she was honored 
by the State of Indiana with the Torchbearer Award, and in 2023, she 
was inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Lisa 
Wilken has established a legacy in the Indianapolis and surrounding 
communities that will be felt and deeply appreciated for future 
generations of service women and men.
  Even within the veteran community, women veterans tend to be 
overlooked and underrecognized. That is why I am proud to honor the 
many Hoosier women veterans who selflessly serve our community. 
Beginning with its namesake, the Sheila Corcoran Hoosier Women Hero 
Award was created to highlight exemplary Hoosier women veterans whose 
service to their community and Nation is unparalleled. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing Lisa Wilken. I thank Lisa for her 
service and for her advocacy as she continues to be a voice of her 
peers, for her persistence, and for her commitment to the veteran 
community.

[[Page E288]]

  

                          ____________________