WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today announced that late last night, the Senate approved legislation he supported to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), in honor of their pioneering military service and exemplary record, which forged revolutionary reform in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"I am proud that two Kansans are among this patriotic group of women who were the first to train and fly military aircraft during and after World War II," Senator Roberts said. "From this Marine, thank you for your service and your extraordinary courage. Semper Fi."

One of the two Kansas WASP, Mrs. Marjorie Rees of Prairie Village, will receive a bronze copy of the Congressional Gold Medal that will reside in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives where it awaits a vote.

Senator Roberts, a former Marine, is a strong advocate for men and women in uniform and their families.

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