Floor SpeechNeutral2017-04-06

HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE

TaxesDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2017-04-06, Representative Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE

Congressional Record, Volume 163 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017) [Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E474] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE _____ HON. RAUL RUIZ of california in the house of representatives Thursday, April 6, 2017 Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding member of my district Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Shirley Powell of Cathedral City, California. She passed away in March 2017. Her dedication and service to our nation are an inspiration. CMSgt Powell was a member of my congressional office's Veterans' Advisory Board and Military Academy Nominations Selection Committee. She was a remarkable leader, and I am honored to have called her my constituent and my friend. Today, I want to recognize her life achievements. CMSgt Powell worked for 45 years in the field of Aerospace. In 1962, she joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF), where she served for 38 years. She was a founding member of the 68th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) in the Military Airlift Command KC-97 Globemaster Program, where she served multiple tours in support of Vietnam and other international and domestic efforts. In 1981, she transferred to the California Air National Guard TAC C-130 Program. She was honored with numerous, well-deserved distinctions. In the Air National Guard 146th Wing, Shirley was the first female to achieve the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and the first female to be selected for the special duty of First Sergeant. Among her numerous awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. After her retirement in 2000, she was highly active in various associations in the community. She became an active member of the Palm Springs Air Force Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Noncommissioned Officer Association, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, where she held numerous Board positions. She was selected to serve on the Riverside County Veterans Advisory Committee, and she maintained her status as Chief Exam Proctor for the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society for Quality. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor Shirley Powell. I am proud of the opportunity to have worked together with her to improve the lives of veterans in our community. Her distinguished career and her years of committed service to the community are an example of excellence, dedication, and service to our Nation that all should seek to emulate. ____________________

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HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE Congressional Record, Volume 163 Issue 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017) [Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E474] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING SHIRLEY POWELL FOR HER LEGACY AND COURAGEOUS SERVICE _____ HON. RAUL RUIZ of california in the house of representatives Thursday, April 6, 2017 Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding member of my district Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Shirley Powell of Cathedral City, California. She passed away in March 2017. Her dedication and service to our nation are an inspiration. CMSgt Powell was a member of my congressional office's Veterans' Advisory Board and Military Academy Nominations Selection Committee. She was a remarkable leader, and I am honored to have called her my constituent and my friend. Today, I want to recognize her life achievements. CMSgt Powell worked for 45 years in the field of Aerospace. In 1962, she joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF), where she served for 38 years. She was a founding member of the 68th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) in the Military Airlift Command KC-97 Globemaster Program, where she served multiple tours in support of Vietnam and other international and domestic efforts. In 1981, she transferred to the California Air National Guard TAC C-130 Program. She was honored with numerous, well-deserved distinctions. In the Air National Guard 146th Wing, Shirley was the first female to achieve the rank of Senior Master Sergeant and the first female to be selected for the special duty of First Sergeant. Among her numerous awards are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. After her retirement in 2000, she was highly active in various associations in the community. She became an active member of the Palm Springs Air Force Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Noncommissioned Officer Association, and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard, where she held numerous Board positions. She was selected to serve on the Riverside County Veterans Advisory Committee, and she maintained her status as Chief Exam Proctor for the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Society for Quality. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor Shirley Powell. I am proud of the opportunity to have worked together with her to improve the lives of veterans in our community. Her distinguished career and her years of committed service to the community are an example of excellence, dedication, and service to our Nation that all should seek to emulate. ____________________