[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 34 (Friday, February 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING UNITED STATES NAVY PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS KATRINA 
                                 GRAMER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 20, 2026

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer 
Second Class Katrina Gramer for her honorable service to the United 
States Navy and her unwavering dedication to supporting our veteran 
community. Her service in uniform and her continued dedication to 
fellow veterans represents the very best of our service members and the 
values they uphold. It is my privilege to recognize her as our February 
2026 Veteran of the Month.
  A native of Port Huron, Michigan, Petty Officer Gramer enlisted in 
the United States Navy in 1999. She completed basic training at Great 
Lakes, Illinois, and went on to attend Anti-Submarine Warfare Training 
School in San Diego, California, where she trained as a Sonar 
Technician.
  Her first duty station was in Yokosuka, Japan. While her ship was 
operating in the Middle East, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 
2001, occurred. In the days that followed, her ship launched some of 
the first Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom, answering our Nation's call during a 
defining moment in American history. She later served in California, 
continuing her dedicated service.
  Throughout her time in uniform, Petty Officer Gramer earned numerous 
military honors, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit 
Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces 
Expeditionary Medal. These awards recognize her hard work and the 
strong performance of the units she served with.
  Following her honorable discharge in 2005, Mrs. Gramer continued to 
pursue excellence. She earned two degrees: one in Early Childhood 
Development and another in Business Administration. She successfully 
operated a home childcare business while raising her three children. 
Once her children reached school age, she discovered a new calling: 
serving those who have served.
  Mrs. Gramer has devoted herself to supporting veterans and their 
families. She has held leadership positions within her local Veterans 
of Foreign Wars Post, maintains membership in her local American Legion 
Post, and has served as both Co-Director and Vice President of a local 
veterans' resource center. She is an active member of her local honor 
guard, where she performs live taps at services and provides honors at 
football games, ceremonies, and parades, ensuring that the sacrifices 
of our service members are remembered with dignity and respect.
  Today, she serves as a Veteran Service Officer for the Vietnam 
Veterans of America Michigan State Council. In this role, she assists 
veterans, their families, surviving spouses, and caregivers in 
navigating the VA benefits system. She takes great pride in ensuring 
that those who served our Nation receive the benefits and recognition 
they have earned.
  Mrs. Gramer currently resides in Holly, Michigan with her husband, 
their three children, and their beloved pets, including her trained 
service dog, Tinkerbell. She is a proud Navy mother, as her oldest 
child currently serves on active duty, carrying forward the family's 
strong tradition of military service. Together, their family enjoys 
camping, kayaking, bonfires, and sharing meals with one another.
  Mr. Speaker, Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer's commitment 
to service extends far beyond her time in uniform. Through her 
leadership, advocacy, and tireless work on behalf of veterans and their 
families, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of 
those who have served our nation. It is my great privilege to recognize 
her dedication and to honor her as our February 2026 Veteran of the 
Month.

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