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HONORING BRAD AND CAROL WHITMORE AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK
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HON. CYNTHIA AXNE
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 16, 2021
Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brad and Carol Whitmore, two remarkable veterans, as Iowans of the Week. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I couldn't think of better honorees than two individuals who not only served our country for many years but have since continued their service to the country by doing incredible work to support and advocate for fellow veterans.
Carol Whitmore served in the U.S. Army, and has been honored with over 20 medals, ribbons, and badges from her 36 years of service. Following her service, Carol earned a Gold Legacy Life membership with the VFW Post 9127 in Des Moines. She has served in many leadership roles, ranging from the Post, District, and Department levels to the National stage. Carol is a member of the Governor's Veterans Council and sits on the National Council as a representative for the Iowa VFW. As a legislative advocate on both local and national levels, she continues to fight for veteran's rights.
Carol is particularly passionate about women's issues and helping homeless veterans at the Des Moines Homeless Shelter. When asked what she is especially proud of, Carol mentioned becoming a State Commander for the VFW and working with homeless veterans in the state.
Brad Whitmore, a native of Des Moines, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and volunteered to go to Vietnam a year later. He then served one tour and volunteered again for a second tour, then received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1976. Brad reenlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988 and found employment in the civilian world as a surgical tech, later earning an associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College for Nursing in 1994. The same year, Brad changed his civilian job to become a surgical nurse and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Army. In 1999, he and Carol married, and Brad retired in 2005 after 26 years of service.
After his retirement, Brad was elected Quarter Master of his VFW post in Beaverdale in 2012 and was elected four years later as Quarter Master of Iowa's 5th District. Brad became Chairman of Iowa's National Legislative Committee, and he continues to do legislative work raising awareness about veteran's issues on the national level. His current project is working on the Richard Starr Act, which aims to protect medically discharged veterans. Brad said he is most proud of supporting his wife and admires all that she does to improve the lives of veterans.
I want to thank the Whitmores not only for the years they served in the Army, but for all the work they continue to do, and for the time they have dedicated to helping veterans. I am inspired by Brad and Carol's stories, and I am committed to supporting our nation's veterans, just as they both are. It is my pleasure to recognize Brad and Carol Whitmore as Iowans of the Week.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 125
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