[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 172 (Friday, October 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING NOLA JANE SALDANA WITH A CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2025

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Nola Jane Saldana 
of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Nola Saldana 
is a proud United States Navy veteran, who served nearly 10 years and 
continues to dedicate her life to supporting veterans and her 
community. A full-blooded Maidu Indian raised in poverty on a 
reservation in Susanville, California, she grew up with strong values 
of respect and kindness, taught by her mother.
  Not long after graduating from Sherman Indian High School, a boarding 
school in Riverside, California, Nola joined the Navy in January 1988. 
She trained as a welder and served aboard the USS Acadia, and later the 
USS Dixon as a radiation worker, often as the only woman in her 
division. Her service took her across the world, including to the 
Persian Gulf and multiple international ports. She departed the Navy in 
1997. During her service she earned the National Defense Service Medal, 
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Medal Deployment Ribbon 
three times, and the Good Conduct Medal two times.
  Following her military career, she earned a bachelor's degree in 
social work with honors from Texas Tech University. She went on to 
serve in several public service roles in Waco, Texas, including at the 
Texas Youth Commission, Texas Behavioral Health Network, and Child 
Protective Services. Since 2007, she has worked at the Waco VA Medical 
Center as a Mental Health Caseworker for seriously mentally ill women 
Veterans.
  Beyond her professional work, Nola leads numerous Veteran-focused 
programs as Commander of VFW Post 2148 and volunteers in the community. 
She supports troop care packages, family assistance, welcome-home 
events, Veteran services, youth scholarships, and JROTC programs. She 
is also a member of the Honor Guard and an adult volunteer with the 
Waco Young Marines.
  Recently, she made history as the first Native American female 
Commander of VFW District 29, overseeing seven posts in Texas. Nola is 
also a proud mother of four successful children, all of whom have 
pursued higher education or military service. Nola Saldana exemplifies 
lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to others. It is with 
great honor and respect that I present Nola Jane Saldana with a 
Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District 
of Texas.

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