Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-25

CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH MARTINEZ GONZALEZ

TaxesEnvironmentDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-06-25, Representative Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH MARTINEZ GONZALEZ" in the House.

Full Text

CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH MARTINEZ GONZALEZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026) [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. ____________________

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CONGRATULATING ELIZABETH MARTINEZ GONZALEZ Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 25, 2026) [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. ____________________