Murkowski Effort to Recognize Female Veterans, Honor Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Passes Senate
Today, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) applauded Senate passage of her bill, the Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System Act of 2022. Murkowski 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.
“With over a twenty-year military career and a member of several military organizations in Alaska, it is no wonder Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson is a well-known name in our great state. During her service, Colonel Rasmuson spent her life advocating for women in the military, expanding their opportunities, and was later awarded the Legion of Merit for her work. As a veteran, Mary Louise continued that same level of service as a civic leader and philanthropist for the betterment of communities across Alaska,” Senator Murkowski said. “Colonel Rasmuson left a legacy worthy of recognition – as did the growing number of female veterans she fought for throughout her distinguished career.”
“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.
