[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Pages 5958-5959]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                      CONGRATULATING JOANNE FARRIS

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today, I wish to congratulate COL 
Joanne Farris on her recent selection as the first female brigade 
commander in the history of the Nevada National Guard. Colonel Farris 
assumed command of the 991st Multi-Functional Brigade, overseeing more 
than 700 soldiers, including the Nevada Army Guard's aviation assets. 
It gives me great pleasure to recognize her achievement in this 
historic moment.
  Colonel Farris joined the Guard over 25 years ago as a private first 
class and was later commissioned from the University of Nevada, Reno 
ROTC Program in 1991. She then continued her studies and earned her 
master's from Clayton College in 2004, the same year she graduated from 
the Commander and General Staff College. She is currently working 
towards completion of her second year of War College and is scheduled 
to graduate this summer.
  Colonel Farris formerly commanded the 1-69th Press Camp Headquarters, 
which deployed to Bosnia in 1999. She also served as command 
information officer for the State of Nevada, 1-421st Regional Training 
Institute executive officer, Joint Force Headquarters commander, and as 
the Nevada Guard State family program director. In 2011, she deployed 
to Afghanistan with the 401st Army Field Support Brigade.
  I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Farris for her courageous 
contributions to the United States of America. Her unwavering 
dedication to her career is commendable, and she stands as a role model 
to future generations of heroes. Colonel Farris' service to her country 
and her bravery earn her a place among the outstanding men and women 
who have valiantly defended our Nation.
  As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I recognize 
that Congress has a responsibility not only to honor these brave 
individuals who serve our Nation but also to ensure they are cared for 
when they return home. Equally as important, it is crucial that female 
servicemembers and veterans have access to their specific health care 
needs. There are countless distinguished women who have made sacrifices 
beyond measure and deserve nothing but the best treatment. I remain 
committed to upholding this promise for our veterans and servicemembers 
in Nevada and throughout the Nation and will continue to fight until 
this becomes a reality.
  During her tenure, Colonel Farris has demonstrated professionalism, 
commitment to excellence, and dedication to the highest standards of 
the Nevada Guard. I am both humbled and honored by her service and am 
proud to call her a fellow Nevadan. Today, I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing Colonel Joanne Farris for all of her accomplishments 
and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.

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