Stacey Plaskett

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland October 12, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELERATES VIRGIN ISLANDS-PUERTO RICO FRIENDSHIP DAY U.S. Virgin Islands—Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett joins our local community in celebrating Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Weekend, culminating today on Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day. The holiday honors the deep and enduring bonds of family, culture, and shared history between the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Today is also Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a recognition of the first peoples of the Caribbean and the Americas, whose presence and legacy remain woven into the identity of our islands. “The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are bound by far more than the waters between us,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “From enslaved Africans who escaped the Danish West Indies to find freedom in Puerto Rico, to Puerto Ricans who came to our islands in the early 1900s to cut cane and seek opportunity, to the families who live, work, and worship across our shores today, we share a common thread of resilience, culture, food, faith, and kinship. On this Friendship Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are reminded that as people of color, telling our own stories is essential. When we tell them with truth and pride, we preserve our history, strengthen our unity, and ensure our children know who they are.” In observance of Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day, all of Congresswoman Plaskett’s offices in Washington, D.C., St. Croix, and St. Thomas are closed today, Monday, October 12, 2026. The offices will reopen for regular business hours on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Should you need assistance during those days when the offices are closed, please call 340-778-5900 on St. Croix or 340-774-4408 on St. Thomas, leave a message and someone will respond in short order.

Today and every day, we recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Long before these islands were called the Virgin Islands, they were home to the Ciboney, Taíno, and Carib (Kalinago) peoples, who fished our waters, farmed our land, and built thriving communities across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Their legacy lives on in our landscape: in the petroglyphs carved at Reef Bay on St. John, in the ceremonial grounds uncovered at Cinnamon Bay, and at Salt River Bay on St. Croix, where Carib warriors stood their ground in 1493 in one of the first recorded acts of Indigenous resistance to European arrival in the Americas. On Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor these first Virgin Islanders, whose history is part of our history, and the Indigenous communities whose traditions have endured across generations and continue to shape our territory and our country.

This LGBTQ+ History Month, we celebrate the generations of LGBTQ+ people who have fought for equality and helped move our country forward. We honor their history and continue the work toward a future where everyone can live openly and freely. https://t.co/fqdV7Q8B1u

Today, October 1, Virgin Islanders honor Contract Day. After our ancestors took their freedom from chattel slavery in 1848, the Labor Act of 1849 created a new kind of bondage. Workers were bound to one plantation for a full year, with a day wage and restricted movement, able to change estates only on Contract Day. It was freedom in name only. On October 1, 1878, when rumors of reform proved false, 30 years of frustration ignited the St. Croix Labor Rebellion, known to us as Fireburn. It was led by four women we revere as our Queens: Mary Thomas, Mathilda McBean, Susanna "Bottom Belly" Abrahamson, and Axeline "Queen Agnes" Salomon. They demanded fair wages and the repeal of the Labor Act, and many paid with their lives. From their sacrifice came reforms that dismantled the labor system. Today we honor our heritage and remember their courage. 🔥

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 28, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS THE PASSING OF CALYPSO LEGEND - THE MIGHTY SPARROW U.S. Virgin Islands— Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) issued the following statement on the passing of Slinger Francisco, internationally renowned calypsonian also known as, "The Mighty Sparrow": "It is with deep sadness that I join the people of the Virgin Islands and the entire Caribbean family in mourning the passing of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow. For more than six decades, he gave voice to the joys, struggles, humor, and truths of Caribbean life. “Sparrow was known as the 'Calypso King of the World. He was a master storyteller and social commentator who used his wit and his music to hold a mirror up to society, and he carried our region's culture to stages around the globe. Generations of Virgin Islanders have danced to his music at Carnival, at family gatherings, in our local communities and far into the Caribbean diaspora. His songs are woven into the fabric of our shared Caribbean identity. "We are profoundly grateful that Sparrow chose to share his extraordinary artistry and gift with the world. He inspired countless calypsonians and artists who followed him, and his legacy will live on through the beauty of our Calypso and Soca music. "On behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, his children, grandchildren, loved ones, the people throughout our Caribbean region and the diaspora, and to all who loved him. May he rest in eternal peace."

G’mar Chatima Tovah to all observing Yom Kippur. May this sacred day of reflection and renewal bring peace and meaning to you and your loved ones. https://t.co/yBP4t0EN1G

Today, we celebrate Constitution Day and the founding document that established the framework of our democracy and enshrined our fundamental rights and freedoms. We must continue working to uphold our Constitution and protect the rights it guarantees to every American. https://t.co/n8iq7o9x5E

Your voice matters, and your vote is your voice. This National Voter Registration Day, make sure you’re registered, encourage your friends and family to register, and make a plan to participate in our democracy. https://t.co/8NcAu7s7vk

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 14, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CELEBRATES HOUSE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC LEGEND PETER G. THURLAND SR. Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 8121, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) to designate the Christiansted Bandstand in Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as the “Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand.” “I am pleased that the House has passed H.R. 8121 to designate the Christiansted Bandstand as the Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “The Christiansted Bandstand is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Peter Thurland helped build it, served his country with distinction, and dedicated decades of his life to the cultural life of St. Croix. I thank Chairman Westerman (R-AK), Ranking Member Huffman (D-CA), and the Members and staff of the House Committee on Natural Resources for their expeditious consideration of this bill, and I thank my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.” The Christiansted Bandstand has served for over a century as a gathering place for residents and visitors and as the center of St. Croix’s musical and civic life. Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., was born on February 19, 1892, in Christiansted, St. Croix, and performed with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the March 31, 1917, ceremony that marked the transfer of the Virgin Islands to the United States. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Navy, where he was instrumental in the physical construction and design of the Bandstand and performed there with the Christiansted Naval Band until his honorable discharge in 1921. In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, leading free monthly concerts at the Bandstand for three decades and training generations of young musicians until 1968. This legislation was first introduced by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress. Congresswoman Plaskett is proud to carry it forward in the 119th Congress on behalf of the Thurland family, who have long advocated for this recognition. This bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration, and if passed, it will proceed to the President's desk to be signed into law. ###

On the anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember those we lost and honor the heroes who put their lives on the line to save others. I am committed to supporting the first responders, survivors, and families who continue to carry the legacy of that tragedy https://t.co/niETe2JnF0

Shanah Tovah U'Metuka to everyone in the Virgin Islands and abroad celebrating Rosh Hashanah! May the New Year bring you and your loved ones peace, health, reflection, and renewal. https://t.co/qtswRpbo7H

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 11, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSURES FOR CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE U.S. Virgin Islands — The St. Croix and St. Thomas district offices of Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett will be closed from Tuesday, September 15, through Monday, September 21, 2026, as the Congresswoman and staff participate in the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC55) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington, D.C. Both district offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. "Each year, the Annual Legislative Conference brings together Black leaders, advocates, and policymakers from across this country and the diaspora to confront the issues that shape our communities—economic opportunity, health care, education, and the full and equal participation of every American in our democracy. "I thank the people of the Virgin Islands for their patience during this week, and my team and I look forward to being back at full service in the district on Monday, September 21." The Washington, D.C. office will remain open during this period. For assistance while the district offices are closed, please call 202-225-1790 (Washington, D.C.). Messages left at 340-778-5900 (St. Croix) and 340-774-4408 (St. Thomas) will be returned when the offices reopen on Monday, September 21, 2026. ###

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions and achievements of Hispanic Americans and recognize the many ways they have shaped our nation and, more specifically our Virgin Islands home. This month and always, we celebrate the diversity and contributions that make our communities stronger.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. By checking in on one another, talking openly about mental health, and making sure people can access the care they need, we can help prevent suicide and remind those who are struggling that they are not alone. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to 988.

Happy Labor Day! Today, we honor the workers whose skill, dedication, and contributions keep our communities and economy moving. We will continue advocating for the creation good-paying jobs, and fight for strong worker protections and an economy where hard work pays off. https://t.co/lmoNQaokcJ

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 3, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT SENDS PRAYERS TO PRIME MINISTER TERRANCE DREW OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today issued the following statement regarding the health of Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew: "My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Terrance Drew, his family, and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as he receives care. Dr. Drew has given himself to his people twice over — first as a physician and now as the leader of his nation — and I am praying for his full and swift recovery. "At moments like this, titles and offices fall away and what remains is a family hoping for good news. I join all who are keeping Prime Minister Drew in their prayers and wish him strength, healing, and a speedy return to the work he loves." ###

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland September 1, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT STATEMENT ON HOUSE PASSAGE OF TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF HAITI HOPE/HELP AND AGOA TRADE PREFERENCE PROGRAMS Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 6500, The Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, with bipartisan support. This bill includes a two-year extension of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act (HOPE Act) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Act (HELP Act), as well as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Both programs, which are set to expire at the end of 2026, would be extended through December 31, 2028. The legislation, which was passed by the U.S. Senate on August 8, 2026, now proceeds to the President's desk to be signed into law: "This is the certainty that Haitian workers, families, and their partners in American industry have been waiting for. After these programs lapsed last fall and were restored for fifteen months, we have finally given them a runway. Today's vote gives Haiti's apparel sector and its American partners two more years of certainty to plan and invest. "I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in the drafting of the reauthorization of HOPE/HELP, in particular Ranking Member Neal, Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Sanchez, and Dr. Murphy. This vital program sustains manufacturing jobs in Haiti and secures a reliable, nearby supply chain for American apparel companies. “Haiti continues to face compounding humanitarian, political, and economic crises. The security emergency has displaced over 1.4 million Haitians and left half the country's population experiencing life-threatening hunger. The apparel sector remains the foundation of Haiti's economy and its most reliable source of formal employment, making uninterrupted duty-free access to the U.S. market essential to any path toward stability. "Haiti is our strategic ally, and U.S. support for its apparel sector is mutually beneficial. Haitian apparel manufacturing utilizes U.S. cotton and plays an essential role in shifting supply chains out of China and into the Western Hemisphere. "The same is true of AGOA. For twenty-six years, AGOA has been the foundation of America's economic partnership with sub-Saharan Africa, providing duty-free access to more than 1,800 products and building commercial relationships that support American exporters, American consumers, and our national security interests. Extending these programs before they lapsed protects existing trade relationships as well as the American and African businesses that depend on them. "I will continue to emphasize the importance of U.S. trade engagement with both Haiti and our AGOA partners in sub-Saharan Africa. This extension gives American manufacturers and investors the predictability they need — certainty that these trade preferences will remain in place, supply chains will stay stable, and sourcing decisions can be made with confidence.”

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland August 18, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ISIDORE “I.G.” GRILES, JR. U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of Isidore "I.G." Griles, Jr.: "I was saddened to learn of the passing Mr. Griles. He was a son of Frederiksted who carried our town with him in everything he did. His life was one spent close to family, close to community, and close to the music that shaped him. Mr. Griles always had a pleasant word to share and smile to give. He carried our culture in his kindness and in the music he played alongside other culture-bearers. He would often visit my office in Frederiksted and share with my team snippets of Virgin Islands history from his black and white composition book. He will be deeply missed. "On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my sincere condolences to his daughter, his entire family, and to the many friends and fellow musicians who are grieving him today. May they be held up by prayer and by the memories he leaves behind."

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland August 14, 2026 202-808-6129 Press Release CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT CONGRATULATES USVI NIKE RBI 18U GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett today congratulated the United States Virgin Islands Nike RBI 18U Girls Softball Team on winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U World Series, defeating Houston 3-1 in Thursday's championship game. "These young women did an outstanding job and came out triumphant as World Series Champions,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. "They represented our Territory against teams backed by Major League Baseball's biggest organizations, and they did it with the heart, discipline, and unity that define who we are. “I would like to extend a special thank you to Head Coach Elroy Hill and Assistant Coaches Richard Clendinen, Brock Creque, and Inocenia Bermudez, for their tireless work in training and mentoring our young women." The team, sponsored by the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, secured its berth in the World Series by winning the 2026 Nike RBI Softball 18U Caribbean Regionals on June 24. The USVI was one of eight teams competing, the only team representing a U.S. territory. ###

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland August 8, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT MOURNS PASSING OF VIRGIN ISLANDS' CULTURAL ICON BRADLEY CHRISTIAN U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Bradley Christian, a Virgin Islands cultural icon celebrated for his mastery of the traditional head wrap and his role in shaping the territory's official madras: "Today, the Virgin Islands lost a true keeper of our culture. Bradley Christian spent his life carrying forward traditions passed down through generations. He was known far beyond our shores for his beautifully crafted head wraps, but Bradley's gift was never just in the craft itself. It was in his deep understanding of the history, heritage, and meaning behind every head wrap, our food, storytelling, quelbe, quadrille - the many elements of our islands. Bradley Christian reminded us to love ourselves and our history - that we are a tapestry of beautiful people. His hand also helped shape the official madras of the Virgin Islands, a symbol our people wear with pride,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. "Bradley was one of our territory's cultural icons, and we are forever grateful for his contributions. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all his loved ones and friends during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his legacy is felt across the Virgin Islands," Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. ###

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland August 7, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP U.S. Virgin Islands – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement regarding the Executive Orders titled “Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” and “Ending Birth Tourism” signed on August 6, 2026, by President Donald Trump: “Following the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026, decision in Trump v. Barbara, which upheld birthright citizenship generally while permitting narrower exceptions, yesterday President Trump issued Executive Orders that expand restrictions on birthright citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Birthright citizenship exists for people born in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands because of federal statutes enacted by Congress. This remains unchanged by yesterday’s Executive Orders. “The ‘Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship’ Executive Order applies in cases where a child is born in the United States or a territory while neither parent is a United States citizen and any of the following applies: those with a parent designated as a terrorist, those with a parent employed by a foreign government, those born through a birth-tourism or surrogacy arrangement undertaken to secure citizenship, or those born in a United States territory where citizenship is not conferred by federal statute. “The territorial provision of the Executive Order does not touch the Virgin Islands today. Under current federal statute, people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are recognized as citizens, while those born in American Samoa are not – they are United States nationals. The provision in the Executive Order currently applies to American Samoa, which does not have a citizenship statute, and it would apply automatically to any other territory if Congress later repealed or narrowed the statute that grants citizenship. “This provision raises serious concerns regarding precedent and represents a troubling escalation in this Administration's approach to birthright citizenship in the territories – which should not be in question. Our office has joined amici briefs cited in the Supreme Court by Justice Brown Jackson to protect territorial birthright citizenship.” Congresswoman Plaskett continues to advocate the longstanding legal principle that citizenship follows the land - that territory owned by the US confers citizenship. She said, “I will continue to work with my colleagues to defend the statutory protections in place for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.” ###

On July 30, 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law, expanding access to health care for millions of Americans. Over 6 decades later, House Democrats are still fighting to protect and strengthen these vital programs and ensure access to quality and affordable health care.

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland July 24, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE PLASKETT MEETS WITH GOVERNOR BRYAN, VIRGIN ISLANDS LEGISLATURE ON HUD FUNDING FREEZE U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today is meeting with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on the freeze of federal funding to the territory. The Congresswoman sent letters to HUD and the Governor’s office regarding the matter this week. “This morning I will be meeting with Governor Bryan and members of the Virgin Islands Legislature regarding the notice from HUD on the freeze of funding,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “I’ve shared with the Governor conversations I have had with Republican leadership in Congress regarding this issue that stand ready to support our efforts to create a plan acceptable to HUD.” “Our office has been in contact with Congressional leadership, and I stand ready to work with the Governor in any way to ensure that we have a plan that creates the accountability and mechanism that will put our federal resources to work for the people,” Plaskett concluded. ###

For Immediate Release Contact: Alayah Phipps July 22, 2026 202-813-2793 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT'S LEGISLATION HONORING PETER G. THURLAND, SR. ADVANCES THROUGH NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) announced that the House Committee on Natural Resources advanced H.R. 8121, legislation to designate the Christiansted Bandstand as the "Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand." Today’s markup follows a hearing held by the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Federals Lands on July 1, 2026. Congresswoman Plaskett issued the following statement: "This is meaningful progress to ensure that the contributions of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr. to the Virgin Islands are never forgotten. The Christiansted Bandstand stands today because of his hands and vision. Renaming the Bandstand in his honor ensures that every person who walks past it, and every musician who ever plays on it, will know whose legacy they are standing on. "Mr. Thurland was a master craftsman, a bandleader, a mentor, and a U.S. Navy veteran. I thank my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee for unanimously advancing this bill. This legislation was first championed by Congressman Ron de Lugo in the 103rd Congress, and I am proud to continue this effort to have Peter G. Thurland, Sr.'s name take its rightful place on a landmark he helped create. “The bill must now be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives before proceeding to the U.S. Senate, and ultimately the President’s desk for signature.” H.R. 8121 honors the life and legacy of Peter Gregory Thurland, Sr., born in 1892 in Christiansted, St. Croix. On March 31, 1917, Mr. Thurland played with the Christiansted Industrial Brass Band at the transfer ceremony on the Christiansted Wharf. Just a few years after the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, Mr. Thurland joined the U.S. Navy Band, and helped build the very bandstand where he would later perform for decades. In 1938, Mr. Thurland founded the St. Croix Community Band, an institution that has trained generations of local musicians. Through free monthly concerts, the band has given the Christiansted waterfront its enduring soundtrack. The legislation designates the bandstand located at the Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix as the "Peter G. Thurland, Sr., Bandstand" and directs that any reference to the bandstand in federal law, regulation, or documentation be treated as a reference to its new name. ###

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland July 22, 2026 202-808-6129 PRESS RELEASE CONGRESSWOMANPLASKETT INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR TWO VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION U.S. Virgin Islands — Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) released the following statement today regarding the introduction of two bills to name the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Based Outpatient Clinics on St. Thomas and St. Croix in honor of two Virgin Islanders who gave their lives in service to our country: “Today, I am pleased to introduce two bills to name VA facilities in the Virgin Islands in honor of Virgin Islands veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. The St. Thomas Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the ‘Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic’ and the St. Croix Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be named the ‘Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic,’” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Director Patrick Farrell and the team at the Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs deserve recognition for bringing this matter to our office. Their engagement was instrumental in moving these bills forward. If enacted, these namings would stand as a lasting tribute, ensuring that Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata are never forgotten, and that every veteran who walks through the doors of these clinics is reminded of the courage of those who came before them," Congresswoman Plaskett continued. Director Farrell shared the following statement: "Today's introduction of legislation to honor Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III and Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake by naming the Virgin Islands Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (VA Clinics) in their memory marks an important step toward preserving the legacy of Virgin Islands Veterans, and a testament that we are sincerely grateful for the service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. For me, this initiative is deeply personal. I had the privilege of knowing both David and Floyd, and while history will rightly remember them as fallen heroes, I will always remember them as friends, fellow Soldiers, and proud Virgin Islanders whose lives embodied honor, humility, and selfless service. It is my hope that every Veteran, family member, employee, and visitor who enters these clinics in the years ahead will be reminded of their sacrifice and inspired by their enduring legacy. I am grateful to the Office of Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett for advancing this meaningful effort and helping to move this vision one step closer to becoming a lasting tribute." “Sergeant First Class Floyd E. Lake and Lieutenant Colonel David C. Canegata III were exemplary Virgin Islanders who each made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. We remember their lives and their service with solemn gratitude, and we honor their memory so that others may follow their example and answer the call to duty,” Congresswoman Plaskett concluded. Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On January 20, 2007, Sergeant First Class Lake and Lieutenant Colonel Canegata, along with 10 other soldiers, were killed when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Baghdad, Iraq. ###