[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E455-E456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO GAIL CRAWFORD--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2024

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, each year, through the Women of the Year 
Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central 
Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to 
recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Gail 
Crawford of San Luis Obispo, California.
  For Gail, service to others is not just a profession--it's a way of 
life. Not only has she spent over two decades valuing our beloved 
veterans as a Commander in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, she's 
also successfully raised two children as a single mother while serving 
non-profits caring for homeless dogs and cats. As evidence of the 
profound impact on those she's cared for, many families have named 
their babies after her.
  One of her most enduring moments was when she served Brigham and 
Women's Hospital in Boston, a renowned Level I Trauma Center. Gail's 
expertise spanned critical care units such as burn and trauma, neuro, 
thoracic ICU, and the Emergency Department. She was notably on duty 
during the Boston Marathon bombing, when her unwavering courage and 
compassion healed the course of many lives for the better.
  Now residing in San Luis Obispo, Gail continues her legacy of service 
with unyielding devotion. In her role at the San Luis Obispo Veterans 
Services Collaborative and the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum, 
Gail's expertise and tireless work ethic are invaluable assets. Her 
vigorous efforts have transformed the landscape of veteran support in 
our community. At the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge, she orchestrates a 
multitude of veteran dinners, fundraisers, and events. Gail 
consistently draws widespread participation and support. Her visionary 
leadership led to the creation of the Veterans Services Collaborative, 
a pivotal hub of over 60 agencies providing essential assistance to 
more than 1,000 veterans. Gail's commitment to veterans also extends to 
supporting the Para Olympic Surfing Championship in Pismo Beach 
demonstrating inclusivity for all. Her instrumental role in major 
projects, including ``The Wall That Heals'' and Anglers' Anonymous 
fishing trips for veterans, further exemplifies her profound impact on 
the veteran community.
  Gail's belief in serving everyone extends to animals, as she 
volunteers at Woods Humane Society, a local nonprofit dedicated to the 
human care of homeless dogs and cats. Their work relies on the 
dedication of volunteers such as Gail. Amongst her peers, she is often 
referred to as a ``humble servant'' whose devotion transcends all 
boundaries. Gail's relentless commitment and tireless efforts exemplify 
the qualities of a true Woman of the Year.
  In honoring Gail Crawford's remarkable achievements, we celebrate her 
enduring legacy of service, which continues to uplift and inspire lives 
in the 24th District and beyond.

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