WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today congratulated Latoya Lucas, an Iraq war veteran and resident of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, who was recently appointed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.  Lucas, a Purple Heart Medal recipient, is one of six new members appointed to the committee, which advises the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the needs of women veterans with respect to health care, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach, and other activities.

“I am pleased to congratulate Latoya Lucas on her appointment to the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans,” said Butterfield.  “After sustaining life-threatening injuries during her deployment in Iraq, Latoya continued to serve her fellow veterans and country through motivational speaking and public service.  We are very fortunate to have her perform such an important public service to our nation.  I am certain her experiences will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the committee. ”

In 2003, one month after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Latoya joined Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Army Specialist.  While assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Mosul, Latoya was severely wounded when a rocket-propelled grenade struck her supply mission squad, leaving her with a fractured pelvis, traumatic brain injury, severe burns and nerve damage.  The wounds she suffered earned her the Purple Heart Medal.  Since then, Latoya has received numerous awards and recognition for her outstanding achievements, including the Tony Snow Public Service award.

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