[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E219-E220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MASTER SERGEANT SANDRA ``SANDY'' MCHUGH
_____
HON. DONALD NORCROSS
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 16, 2026
Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor and commend Master
Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh, hometown hero of Collingswood. On
Thursday, March 12, 2026, family, friends, and members of the community
gathered at the Collingswood Senior Community Center in Collingswood,
New Jersey, to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh for her
service to both her community and the United States of America.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in the Baldwin
neighborhood, Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh went on to attend Carnegie
Mellon University for Graphic Design. She transferred to Temple
University's Tyler School of Art where she earned a bachelor's in fine
arts and master's in film production. After graduating she began
teaching art in Cherry Hill from first to sixth grade at Johnson
Elementary.
While teaching art, Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh served in the Air
National Guard and went back to school, attending Glassboro State to
earn her master's degree in education. Sandy taught at Johnson
Elementary school for 30 years and simultaneously served
[[Page E220]]
for 29 years as a member of the 108th Air Refueling Wing of the Air
Force National Guard. Stationed at McGuire Air Force Base. she achieved
the rank of Master Sergeant by the time she was honorably discharged.
Sandy served in the office of public relations for 21 years and spent
the remaining years as the head non-commissioned officer in the
Chaplain's Office. Throughout her career she travelled the country
educating fellow members on services of the Chaplain's Office,
contributed photographic work on behalf of the Air National Guard,
protected the chaplain, and organized drives to help both soldiers and
their families before and after deployment.
Today, Master Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh is a 50-year resident
of the Borough of Collingswood. She has played a role in the education
of many students for whom her garden was a stop for class field trips.
Throughout the years, she has also donated her personal art supplies to
Collingswood Schools. Sandy is also the owner of the Seacoast Art
Gallery in Topsail, North Carolina, that she opens and operates each
summer. The walls are covered with her artwork and spaces filled with
ceramic and pottery artwork from local artists.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Master
Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh a citizen dedicated to both her
country and community, and who has thoroughly served them both to the
best of their ability.
____________________