Legislation signed into law on Jan. 5 by President Joe Biden officially renames the Alaska VA Healthcare System in memory of the late Cl. Mary Louise Rasmuson, a leader in the Women’s Army Corps who helped expand opportunities for women serving in the military.
The bill, which had widespread support from Alaska veteran organizations, designates the name change from the “Alaska VA Clinic” to “Colonel Mary Louise Rasmuson Campus of the Alaska VA Healthcare System.”
The legislation was sponsored by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who said she was pleased that women in the military can be recognized for their efforts through enactment of this bill.
“Colonel Rasmuson spent her life advocating for women in the armed forces and continued to be a tremendous supporter of the Alaskan community as a civic leader after serving,” Murkowski said. “We not only pay tribute to her legacy of service, but also the growing number of female veterans she fought for throughout her distinguished career. Supporting all veterans remains one of my top priorities.”
Murkowski previously introduced the bill in October 2022 with U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, as a cosponsor.
“Mary Louise Rasmuson pushed through many barriers to selflessly help others and to improve the quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military,” said Cathy Rasmuson, a relative. “The family is honored Mary Louise will permanently be associated with the ongoing care for Alaska’s veterans.”
