Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System Act Signed into Law
Today, legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System Act, was signed into law by the President. Murkowski previously introduced the bill in October 2022 with U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) as a cosponsor.
The bill, which has garnered widespread support from Alaska’s veteran organizations, designates the name change from the “Alaska VA Clinic” to “Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System” after the late Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson—a leader in the Women’s Army Corps who helped expand opportunities for women serving in the military, including integrating racial diversity into the corps.
“I’m pleased that through enactment of this bill, women in the military can be recognized for their efforts. Colonel Rasmuson spent her life advocating for women in the armed forces and continued to be a tremendous supporter of the Alaskan community as a civic leader after serving,” Senator Murkowski said. “We not only pay tribute to her legacy of service, but also the growing number of female veterans she fought for throughout her distinguished career. Supporting all veterans remains one of my top priorities.”
“Mary Louise Rasmuson pushed through many barriers to selflessly help others and to improve the quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military. Senator Lisa Murkowski’s effort to lead this legislation through Congress adds to the abundance of evidence that Mary Louise is a giant among remarkable Alaskan women who dedicate their life in service to others. The family is honored Mary Louise will permanently be associated with the ongoing care for Alaska’s veterans,” said Cathy Rasmuson, family member of Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson.
“Mary Louise Rasmuson's leadership created the pathway of inclusion for all women in the military and veterans through her policy development, social justice, and selfless work to ensure women's military service is recognized and valued. Renaming the Alaska VA Campus after Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson allows all of us to honor her continuing legacy, her contributions to our nation's military history, and her leadership as a woman veteran in the State of Alaska,” said Dr. Vanessa Meade, U.S. Army Veteran, University of Alaska Anchorage-School of Social Work and Project Coordinator- Operation Mary Louise.
