Recognizing Nola Jane Saldana with A Congressional Veteran Commendation

Floor Speech

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Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Nola Jane Saldana of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Nola Saldana is a proud United States Navy veteran, who served nearly 10 years and continues to dedicate her life to supporting veterans and her community. A full-blooded Maidu Indian raised in poverty on a reservation in Susanville, California, she grew up with strong values of respect and kindness, taught by her mother.

Not long after graduating from Sherman Indian High School, a boarding school in Riverside, California, Nola joined the Navy in January 1988. She trained as a welder and served aboard the USS Acadia, and later the USS Dixon as a radiation worker, often as the only woman in her division. Her service took her across the world, including to the Persian Gulf and multiple international ports. She departed the Navy in 1997. During her service she earned the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Medal Deployment Ribbon three times, and the Good Conduct Medal two times.

Following her military career, she earned a bachelor's degree in social work with honors from Texas Tech University. She went on to serve in several public service roles in Waco, Texas, including at the Texas Youth Commission, Texas Behavioral Health Network, and Child Protective Services. Since 2007, she has worked at the Waco VA Medical Center as a Mental Health Caseworker for seriously mentally ill women Veterans.

Beyond her professional work, Nola leads numerous Veteran-focused programs as Commander of VFW Post 2148 and volunteers in the community. She supports troop care packages, family assistance, welcome-home events, Veteran services, youth scholarships, and JROTC programs. She is also a member of the Honor Guard and an adult volunteer with the Waco Young Marines.

Recently, she made history as the first Native American female Commander of VFW District 29, overseeing seven posts in Texas. Nola is also a proud mother of four successful children, all of whom have pursued higher education or military service. Nola Saldana exemplifies lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to others. It is with great honor and respect that I present Nola Jane Saldana with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas.

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