[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 177 (Friday, October 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING FORMER FIRST SERGEANT DELPHINE METCALF-FOSTER AS ONE OF 
      CALIFORNIA'S 8TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 24, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former First 
Sergeant Delphine Metcalf-Foster as she is honored as one of 
California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year for her 
trailblazing military service, steadfast advocacy for veterans, and 
lifelong commitment to public service. A native of Vallejo, California, 
First Sergeant (Ret.) Delphine Metcalf-Foster proudly served in the 
United States Army Reserve with the 689th Quartermaster Unit, 6253rd 
Hospital Unit, and 6211th Transportation Unit at the Letterman Army 
Medical Center. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, she 
sustained injuries while serving in Saudi Arabia in support of the 
Grave Registration Company mission and was medically evacuated to 
Germany for care. Her service and courage reflect the highest 
traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces. Following her retirement from the 
Army Reserves in 1996, Ms. Metcalf-Foster continued to dedicate her 
life to veterans causes and public service. A life member of Disabled 
American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 81 in Vallejo, she made history in 2017 
when she was elected National Commander of the DAV. The first woman and 
the first person of color to hold that position in the organization's 
100-year history. She previously served as the DAV Department of 
California Commander in 2003, again breaking barriers as the first 
woman to hold that role. Her distinguished civilian career includes 
decades of leadership at the Alameda Naval Air Station, where she 
served as a quality assurance work leader. Ms. Metcalf-Foster has also 
lent her expertise to numerous veterans' advisory bodies, including the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, the 
DAV Department of California Claims and Service Committee, and the 
First Data Military Advisory Council. Among her many honors, she has 
received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (10LC), 
National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve 
Component Achievement Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 
Bronze Star. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the ``Top 40 
Military People'' in the United States for her impact in helping 
veterans. Her favorite quotes, ``Tell me what I can't do, and I will 
show you what I can do,'' and ``I had to go through, in order to get 
to,'' embody the spirit of resilience and purpose that defines her life 
and service. On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional 
District, it is my pleasure to honor and recognize First Sergeant 
(Ret.) Delphine Metcalf-Foster for her courageous service to our nation 
and her extraordinary contributions to the veterans' community.

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