Recently, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) introduced a bill to recognize General Brigadier Hazel Winifred Johnson-Brown, the first African-American woman to hold rank of General in the U.S. Military Services and the first African American to hold the position of Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. "She played a significant role in the military and I knew her as a nurse," says Johnson.
The resolution, which is sponsored by the American Nurses Association and the National Nursing Network Organization, would recognize Johnson-Brown for her accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Congresswoman Johnson also shared her thoughts about today's military.
Loop 21: Do you feel like contributions from black women in the military are overlooked?
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson: I'm not so sure that I can say that they are overlooked. I think that there are times when I feel like they aren't celebrated enough. Usually, when they are accomplished, someone knows about them. And it usually takes someone to make an extra effort to make sure others aware.
Loop 21: What are you overall thoughts about the Afghanistan and Iraq war?
Congresswoman Johnson: I think we got into the [Afghanistan] war a little late after we were attacked on 9/11 in 2001. Instead of addressing that first, we went to Iraq, which I think was totally a false and misguided decision have been made...I do think it's time for us to come home.
Loop 21: Can you talk about the state of the military?
Congresswoman Johnson: Our military readiness is changing. We're looking more now at cyber security. Instead of having a number of round weapons, we are also expanding to make sure that we have cyber weapons. I think the whole picture of military is in a state of change.
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