[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 181 (Thursday, October 30, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO CAROL WHITMORE

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to recognize a fellow 
University of Northern Iowa Panther, Carol Whitmore of Des Moines, IA. 
I recognize her for something more important than just being a fellow 
Panther. She was elected in August as the 117th national commander of 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars--VFW for short.
  Now here is the significance of Carol's election: Carol is the first 
woman and the first Iowan to be elected as national commander of the 
VFW, and I had the pleasure of congratulating her in person during a 
meeting in my DC office here recently.
  After enlisting in the Women's Army Corps in 1977, Carol served our 
Nation's military for 36 years. She was deployed in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom as a first sergeant for her unit and served as 
an army nurse, becoming highly decorated.
  In recognition of her dedicated years of service, she has received 
several awards and recognitions, including the Legion of Merit Medal, 
the Bronze Star, six Army Commendation Medals, and the Army Achievement 
Medal.
  In 2012, Carol joined the VFW at Post 9127 in Des Moines, IA, where 
she continues to serve her fellow veterans. Carol represents the best 
of Iowa and the best of our veterans.
  Our veterans will be well served at the national level for advocacy 
and her commitment to service.
  Besides commending her, I want to commend all the men and women who 
are now serving in the military and those who have served for 
protecting American's freedom and liberty.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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