[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11607]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS FOR WOMEN'S ISSUES RECOGNIZES SERGEANT MAJOR 
                             RAMONA D. COOK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of 
Congresswomen Brown-Waite, Solis, Capps and the entire Congressional 
Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the 8th Annual Women in the 
Military Wreath Laying Ceremony hosted by the Caucus at Arlington 
National Cemetery. The Purpose of this event is to honor our Nation's 
servicewomen and female veterans for their courage and achievements, 
and to remember women who have died in service to the United States.
  Today we have the opportunity to recognize five outstanding female 
servicewomen, one selected from each branch of the military. These 
women serve their respective branches with honor, dignity, and courage. 
These highly decorated leaders chose to defend our freedom and embody 
the spirit of those that served before them.
  From the United States Marine Corps, we will honor Sergeant Major 
Ramona D. Cook who was deployed to Kuwait in February 2003, to join her 
unit, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 (Heavy Haulers), in support 
of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Heavy Haulers remained there until 
September 29, 2003.
  On October 15, 2004 SgtMaj Cook and members of the Heavy Haulers 
again deployed in support of the war on terrorism, this time to Bagram, 
Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
  SgtMaj Cook has repeatedly demonstrated outstanding performance, 
leadership, and devotion to the U.S. Marine Corps, as is evidenced by 
the awards she has received, which include two Navy Marine Corps 
Commendation Medals, and four Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
  SgtMaj Cook continues to distinguish herself as an invaluable leader 
in the U.S. Marine Corps, and it is an honor for each Member of the 
Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues to recognize the courage and 
commitment of SgtMaj Cook and all women in the military.

                          ____________________