U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced bipartisan legislation to honor the women who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II with honorary veteran status.
“The brave women of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps who served our nation in World War II must be recognized with the honor they deserve,” Daines said. “These women embody the spirit of selfless service that is distinctive of our country’s combat veterans. Serving our veterans is one of my highest priorities and I will fight to ensure the legacy of these brave women are treated with the respect and honor they deserve.”
The bill credits service in the Cadet Nurse Corps between 1943 and 1948 as active military service for the purpose of attaining status as a veteran.
Daines’ bill would have a direct impact for Montanan, and Billings’ native, Laura Koch-Natvig who served in the Cadet Corps from 1943-1946. Laura had been trying to receive the benefit she has earned to be buried in the National Cemetery in Laurel. Unfortunately, because WW II Cadet Nurses don’t receive this benefit reserved for those with Veteran status, Laura’s request was denied. Daines’ bill would change that and ensure Laura receive this honor. When Laura was notified of Senator Daines’ effort to take action she said “I support the efforts of Senator Steve Daines to get Veteran benefits for the women of the Nurse Cadet Corps during WW2.”
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