[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E619-E620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH MARTINEZ GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2026

  Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Elizabeth Martinez 
Gonzalez of Dorado, who will be sworn in as Department Commander of The 
American Legion, Department of Puerto Rico. Her service to our Nation 
and leadership within our community exemplify the finest traditions of 
patriotism and civic engagement.
  Elizabeth served nearly fifteen years in the United States Army and 
Puerto Rico National Guard, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. 
Throughout her military career, she distinguished herself in areas of 
critical responsibility--security operations, emergency preparedness, 
military police work, recruitment,

[[Page E620]]

and retention. Her expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and 
nuclear defense earned her recognition as a CBRN specialist. More 
significantly, she became the first woman to serve on the 22nd Civil 
Support Team's Weapons of Mass Destruction Survey Team in Puerto Rico, 
breaking new ground and opening doors for those who followed.
  Elizabeth's service took her to missions across the globe--operations 
in the War on Terror, support at Guantanamo, and humanitarian 
assistance following Hurricane Katrina. She demonstrated unwavering 
discipline, courage, and dedication in each assignment.
  Her commitment to service did not end with her military career. 
Elizabeth has devoted herself to advancing the veteran community and 
our young people through the American Legion, Department of Puerto 
Rico. She has served as Commander of Post 45 in Dorado, First Vice 
Commander of the Department, and as Chairwoman of Americanism, 
Conventions, Communications and Media, and our Youth Oratorical 
Program. Most recently, she was elected Commander of the Department of 
Puerto Rico for the 2026-2028 term--making her only the second woman to 
hold this position in the organization's 103-year history.
  In this role, Elizabeth leads efforts to strengthen programs for 
veterans and young people across Puerto Rico, promoting civic 
responsibility, constitutional respect, youth leadership, discipline, 
athletics, education, and community service.
  Throughout her journey, as a soldier, as a leader, as a voice for her 
community, Elizabeth has carried with her the values of Dorado and 
Puerto Rico. She embodies integrity, perseverance, compassion, and a 
profound love for our people.
  I urge my colleagues and all citizens of Puerto Rico to recognize her 
example and celebrate her achievements as inspiration for generations 
to come.

                          ____________________