On the recordMarch 7, 2019
This Women's History Month, I rise to recognize Ruth Weakley of Arroyo Grande on her 100th birthday today. During World War II, with many of America's young men serving overseas, U.S. jobs traditionally held by men began to open their doors to women. While Ruth's husband, Harry, was away serving in the Army Air Force, Ruth stepped up to serve, and became one of a handful of women driving rural postal routes. She drove a route in Los Angeles County for nearly 2 years during the war, resigning when her husband returned from his military service in December 1945. Contributions like hers were both critical to our Nation's war effort and to reshaping the role of women in our workforce and society. Today, over 70 years after Ruth's time with the Postal Service and on her 100th birthday, I recognize and thank her for her service to our Nation and to women everywhere. ____________________
