Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tanya Queiro, who was named the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year.

The honor is presented by USAA to an individual who embodies the best qualities of today's military spouse. USAA is a diversified financial services group of companies that serves the members of the United States military and their families. The award honors the sacrifices and selfless service of the more than 1 million military spouses who provide unwavering support to our Armed Services today and to those who have served in previous generations.

Tanya Queiro was chosen from more than 650 nominations submitted to ``Military Spouse'' magazine. The criteria used to select the winner include one's impact on community change, one's volunteerism, personal sacrifice, education, career pursuits, and other spouse-related efforts. During an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Queiro was honored for her commitment to the troops, for the ongoing support of her active duty husband, Gunnery Sergeant Jose Queiro, for her volunteer work, and for the many contributions to her community.

Mrs. Queiro, herself, served as an active duty marine for more than 12 years. It was during this time that she met and married her husband, that she began raising her three children and that she began earning her bachelor's degree and also her master's degree. Now, in addition to raising her children--Jose, Marcus and Adrianna--and managing the house while her husband deploys, she works full time as a human resources specialist and is pursuing a doctorate degree in organization and management.

Mrs. Queiro has also managed to find the time to be extremely active in her community. She is a USDA New Leader Program graduate, an active Civilian Career Leadership Development participant and mentor, an American Military University Career mentor, and an Operation Noble Heart volunteer. She has volunteered as a Life Style, Insight, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills mentor, Onslow County Women's Shelter Victim Advocate, and Key Volunteer. As a lifetime member of the Women's Marine Association, Mrs. Queiro is dedicated to cementing the bond and comradery shared by those who have gone through the training to become United States Marines.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Queiro last week in my district office in Greenville, North Carolina. She is a resident of Jacksonville, North Carolina, which is part of my congressional district. Her outstanding record of achievement and of continued commitment to her husband, to her children, to the United States Marine Corps family, and to her community are truly inspiring. Once again, I extend my sincere congratulations to Mrs. Queiro for a well-deserved honor.

Mr. Speaker, before closing, as I do frequently on the floor of the House, I ask God to please bless our men and women in uniform. I ask God to please bless the families of our men and women in uniform, and I ask God, in his loving arms, to hold the families who have given a child dying for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq, and I ask God three times: Please God, please God, please God, continue to bless America.