Commemorating 50 years of women at the service academies.

Whereas, between June 28 and July 7, 1976, 395 women were enrolled at the military service academies, with—
157 women enrolled at the United States Air Force Academy and 38 women enrolled at the United States Coast Guard Academy on June 28;
81 women enrolled at the United States Naval Academy on July 6; and
119 women enrolled at the United States Military Academy on July 7;
Whereas over 24,000 women have graduated from the academies to date, and have risen to the highest levels of leadership within the military services, to include four-star rank, combatant command, General Officers, Flag Officers, and leadership levels at all of the academies;
Whereas, from 1976 to 2026, the percentage of women officers in the United States Armed Forces has increased from about 5 percent to about 20 percent;
Whereas service academy women fought heroically in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, leading troops, sustaining injuries, and in some cases paying the ultimate sacrifice;
Whereas service academy women have equaled or outpaced their peers in every branch of the service, including meeting male standards in ground combat arms roles, and served with distinction in roles from the infantry to submarines to pilots and astronauts; and
Whereas service academy women have broken barriers, and include—
the first three women to earn the Army Ranger tab;
the first woman to command an aircraft carrier;
the first woman Thunderbird;
the first woman Blue Angel;
the first African-American woman to command a United States Navy ship; and
the first woman service secretary, among many other examples;
Whereas evidence has shown that women have strengthened the Armed Forces, adding their talent, intelligence, fitness, strategic thinking, character, and competence to the benefit of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas service academy women have continued to serve out of uniform, as senior leaders in the executive branch, CEOs of nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Members of United States Congress, and as Governor; and
Whereas, since 1976, service academy women have distinguished themselves in all areas of endeavor in service to their country: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
supports the designation of 50 Years of Women at the Service Academies Day;
commends the extraordinary service to the Nation of the women cadets and graduates of the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy; and
honors past, present, and future women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.