Date: 2014-11-17
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H.R. 5441. which amends the federal charter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to reflect the service of women in the Armed Forces of the United States. As approved by Congress in 1936. the VFW charter provides that the VFW is a "national association of men who as soldiers. sailors. marines. and airmen served this Nation in wars. campaigns and expeditions on foreign soil or in hostile waters[.]" The charter further provides that one of the purposes of the organization is "to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead. and to assist their widows and orphans[.]" By replacing the terms "men" with "veterans" and "widows" with "surviving spouses." H.R. 5441 modifies the VFW charter to make it genderneutral and reflect the reality that women have and continue to serve in combat theaters in defense of the United States. At the time the charter was created. only men were permitted to serve in the military. Today. both women and men are permitted to serve in the military and over the last few years. women have become more involved in combat operations. For example. between September 2001 and February 28. 2013). 299.548 female service members have been deployed for contingency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during which time more than 800 women have been wounded and over 130 have died. As of February 29. 2013. 16.407 female members were currently deployed in contingency operation according to the Department of Defense. Women have been tested in battle and proved their heroism. earning numerous awards and commendations. including two Silver Star medals. The expansion of roles for women in the armed forces has evolved over decades. Under a Defense Department policy promulgated in 1994 policy. women could not be assigned to units. below the brigade level. whose primary mission is to engage in direct combat on the ground. The practical effect of this policy meant that women were barred from infantry. artillery. armor. combat engineers. and special operations units of battalion size or smaller. On January 24. 2013. however. thenSecretary of Defense Leon Panetta rescinded that policy. thus enabling women to serve in combat units. The leadership and rank and file of the VFW strongly supports changing the national charter to make it genderneutral: Today. our military consists of both men and women who honorably put duty and service before themselves. Consistent with the growing number of military women who serve at all levels. women are taking leadership roles throughout our organization. That is why we opened our membership to women over 35 years ago. Mr. Speaker. according to the VFW practice. it is combat service. not gender. that determines VFW membership eligibility. Over 2 million women veterans have courageously served our country and defended our freedoms for over 100 years. and their countless contributions and sacrifices must not be overlooked. In the 18th Congressional District of Texas. there are 29.757 veterans. 3.219 of which are women. Women veterans fortified the crucial role of women in the military. and females currently serving in the military continue to break down barriers. such as: Admiral Michelle Howard. the Navys first female fourstar admiral. Army General Ann E. Dunwoody. the U.S. militarys first female fourstar officer. Dr. Mary E. Walker. the only woman who has been awarded the Medal of Honor. As Anne S. (Sosh) Brehm. 1st Lt.. USA NC. a World War II veteran said. "Let the generations know that the women in uniform also guaranteed their freedom." Each year. I participate in the Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor all women who have defended America throughout history. The Women in Military Service for America Memorial serves as a reminder of the patriotism and bravery of women who have served in the United States Armed Services. and also tells their stories of service. sacrifice. and achievement. Women veterans have a passion for service and an unfathomable amount of bravery that is truly worthy and deserving of our recognition. admiration. and commendation. H.R. 5441 modifies VFWs federal charter to reflect current practice and reality and. accordingly. I support the bill and urge all members to do so as well.