Recognizing United States Navy Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer for her honorable service to the United States Navy and her unwavering dedication to supporting our veteran community. Her service in uniform and her continued dedication to fellow veterans represents the very best of our service members and the values they uphold. It is my privilege to recognize her as our February 2026 Veteran of the Month.

A native of Port Huron, Michigan, Petty Officer Gramer enlisted in the United States Navy in 1999. She completed basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois, and went on to attend Anti-Submarine Warfare Training School in San Diego, California, where she trained as a Sonar Technician.

Her first duty station was in Yokosuka, Japan. While her ship was operating in the Middle East, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, occurred. In the days that followed, her ship launched some of the first Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, answering our Nation's call during a defining moment in American history. She later served in California, continuing her dedicated service.

Throughout her time in uniform, Petty Officer Gramer earned numerous military honors, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. These awards recognize her hard work and the strong performance of the units she served with.

Following her honorable discharge in 2005, Mrs. Gramer continued to pursue excellence. She earned two degrees: one in Early Childhood Development and another in Business Administration. She successfully operated a home childcare business while raising her three children. Once her children reached school age, she discovered a new calling: serving those who have served.

Mrs. Gramer has devoted herself to supporting veterans and their families. She has held leadership positions within her local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, maintains membership in her local American Legion Post, and has served as both Co-Director and Vice President of a local veterans' resource center. She is an active member of her local honor guard, where she performs live taps at services and provides honors at football games, ceremonies, and parades, ensuring that the sacrifices of our service members are remembered with dignity and respect.

Today, she serves as a Veteran Service Officer for the Vietnam Veterans of America Michigan State Council. In this role, she assists veterans, their families, surviving spouses, and caregivers in navigating the VA benefits system. She takes great pride in ensuring that those who served our Nation receive the benefits and recognition they have earned.

Mrs. Gramer currently resides in Holly, Michigan with her husband, their three children, and their beloved pets, including her trained service dog, Tinkerbell. She is a proud Navy mother, as her oldest child currently serves on active duty, carrying forward the family's strong tradition of military service. Together, their family enjoys camping, kayaking, bonfires, and sharing meals with one another.

Mr. Speaker, Petty Officer Second Class Katrina Gramer's commitment to service extends far beyond her time in uniform. Through her leadership, advocacy, and tireless work on behalf of veterans and their families, she continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our nation. It is my great privilege to recognize her dedication and to honor her as our February 2026 Veteran of the Month.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source