15th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony

Yesterday, May 10, 2012, AMVETS attended the 15^th Annual Women in the Military Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues. Focused on the achievements and dedication of all women, the ceremony honored one woman from each branch of the military, who serves as a testament to the strength and passion in each past and present servicewoman. “The women we honor here today are true patriots,” said Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Fla. “They follow a long line of women who’ve answered the call of service for this nation.” Attending the ceremony as a keynote speaker and as President of the Women’s Memorial Foundation, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught welcomed all attendees to the ceremony. As a role model for all women, Vaught served 28 years in the military and also was one of the few servicewomen during the Vietnam War to serve in a position other than a nurse. As one of the most decorated women in the United States military, Vaught spoke of the unique tradition that servicewomen have created. “Women in the military is not just a thing of yesterday or just a thing of today,” said Vaught. “It is a thing for the future.”

 

Also present at the ceremony were Reps. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., Jamie Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., Sheila Jackson Lee, D-TX, and Jean Schmidt, R-OH. Each spoke about and honored an individual woman currently serving in the military, showing that our servicewomen continue to break barriers and exemplify the highest in military excellence and professionalism. The women honored at the event were: Army Command Sgt. Major Maria V. Martinez, Air Force Master Sgt. Tracy S. Meador, Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Penny A. Koons, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Yezabeth Cuevas, and Marine Staff Sgt. Jessica Davila. Each woman thanked the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues for honoring all women and remembering the sacrifices each woman has made throughout history. “I am honored to be a part of something so much bigger than myself,” commented Davila.

To end the ceremony, the congresswomen presented a wreath honoring the fallen servicewomen and their families who remain behind to tell their story. Truly an event to honor the often overlooked contributions of women service members, AMVETS recognizes the dedication and service of all military members, both active duty and veterans, and continues to ensure that the military community remains in the forefront of Americans’ minds.  

 

 (Photos: Middle: Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught talks with Reps. Jean Schmidt, R-OH, and Renee Ellmers, R-N.C. Bottom: A wreath and roses for fallen servicewomen in front of the Women in Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. Photos by: Brittany Barry)

This Week on Capitol Hill

By Diane Zumatto, AMVETS National Legislative Director

LANHAM, Md., May 9, 2012 Today is a big day for the House Armed Services Committee as the full committee comes together to consider Chairman Buck McKeon's FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); also known as HR 4310.  At $554 billion, approximately $4 billion above the Pentagon's request, and  with some contentious provisions (outlined below) the committee will have its work cut out for them .

Highlights include:

-- Detainee Due Process Rights: The Rep. Adam Smith (WA, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee) amendment would ensure that any individual detained in the U.S. under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) would be guaranteed due process; according to Smith, "It strictly prohibits military commissions and indefinite detention."

AUMF is a joint resolution passed by Congress on September 14, 2001.  The resolution authorized the use of US Armed Forces against those responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001, granting the President the authority to use all "necessary and appropriate force" against those whom he determined "planned, authorized, committed or aided" the September 11th attacks, or who harbored said persons or groups.

-- Extended Military Presence in Afghanistan:  There is a provision in Rep. Buck McKeon's (CA; Chair, House Armed Services Committee) bill that states that the US should "maintain a credible troop presence" in Afghanistan beyond 2014.

-- Purchase Slow-down of F-35’s: Rep. Todd Akin (MO) has put forward an amendment that would slow the purchase of F-35’s until the Pentagon provides a date by which the aircraft will reach operational capability. According to Adkin, "It is not acceptable for a program the American taxpayer has already invested billions of dollars in to fail to give Congress fixed and firm IOC dates."

-- East Coast missile defense:  Rep.  John Garamendi (CA, Member, House Armed Services Committee) plans to introduce an amendment eliminating provisions in Rep. McKeon's bill that allocate approximately  $100 million for an environmental impact study  (EIS) into possible sites for East Coast missile-defense positions.