Almost 70 years ago during World War II, 1,102 women answered their country's call to duty by signing up to become the first civilian female pilots flying for the U.S. military. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) didn't expect recognition, they just wanted to serve their country.

But their pioneering service hasn't been forgotten. Although they were denied military status until 1977, they were awarded the World War II Victory Medal in 1984. And last year, I was proud to co-sponsor a bill - signed into law on July 1, 2009 - to award them the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the Congress can give.

Today, the majority of the 300 WASPs still living - as well as their families - attended the Gold Medal ceremony, forming one of the largest groups ever assembled in the U.S. Capitol.

Ten of the nearly 300 women honored live in Colorado, hailing from Arvada, Aspen, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, Lakewood, La Veta, and Montrose. After today's ceremony, I had the opportunity to meet with two: Millicent Young of Colorado Springs, and Grace E. Lotowycz of Boulder.

Not only did their service help us win the war, it paved the way for all of the women military and civilian pilots who followed in their footsteps - including my mother, a pilot who loved the freedom of the skies just like these women did. I'm truly honored to have met with these Colorado heroines and to help bestow on them the much-deserved Congressional Gold Medal.

Mark's Newsletter Update:

Colorado Energy Jobs Summit, Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell, West Slope Work Force Tour

March 2010 | Issue 3

Dear Fellow Coloradan,

Whether in Washington or on my visits home to Colorado, my top priority is doing everything I can to support job creation and strengthen our economy. In the last month, I took advantage of a recess from Congress to continue my 'Colorado Work Force Tour' visiting Coloradans on the Western Slope to talk about ways to produce more jobs and invest in our economy. I also gathered business and policy leaders for a summit in Aurora focused on how to keep Colorado at the forefront of the new energy revolution.

We've returned to work here in Congress, and this week, I co-sponsored a bill to help improve our national security at a time of two wars, by repealing the outdated 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. Below is more information about my work to fight for you in the U.S. Senate. Thank you for your continued interest. I appreciate hearing from you and getting your input. And I hope to see you in the near future in Colorado.

Warm regards,

Colorado Energy Jobs Summit

The new energy revolution is re-powering America, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security by promoting energy independence. And Colorado is leading the way, with small businesses and entrepreneurs capitalizing on the potential of our abundant sun, wind, and natural gas.

But we face real competition abroad.

I believe we need to do everything we can to ensure that the world looks to America, and Colorado, for its clean energy technology and not the other way around. We have to get this right. And when we do, we will create long lasting, good paying jobs for Coloradans, jobs that can't be sent overseas.

That's why last month, I brought together the best scientific, policy and business minds in Colorado to participate in a Colorado Energy Jobs Summit. I co-hosted the summit in Aurora with the University of Colorado, Third Way and The Keystone Center to talk about steps we need to take to create jobs and ensure Colorado stays at the forefront of the global clean energy economy.

The event was a great success, and I believe it laid a blueprint for how to build private/public partnerships and foster a pro-growth economic climate that will unleash innovation in the energy sector.

At the end of the summit, I was honored to have U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu join me on stage for an energy 'town hall' meeting. For over an hour, the Secretary and I took questions from the audience as well as Coloradans around the state, who submitted questions by email. It was an informative discussion, and I invite you to watch the entire event on the 9NEWS website.

Watch the town hall
Read more about the Colorado Energy Jobs Summit

West Slope Work Force Tour

I'm working every day to help create jobs and strengthen Colorado's economy, and one way I'm doing that is through my Colorado Work Force Tour, which I launched last year. It gives me an opportunity to talk to workers across the state, and discuss ways I can help businesses and communities invest in creating more good-paying jobs.

Over the last month, I continued the tour on the Western Slope. I met with leaders at Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs, which is creating new opportunities in renewable energy. And I toured the Clifton Sanitation District, where they formed a creative public-private arrangement to finance a water-treatment facility - and spurred new economic opportunities at the same time.

One highlight of my tour was meeting with students at Collbran Job Corps. I got such a warm welcome - they met me at the door with a drum line and an ROTC salute. Collbran is truly impressive - the young people there are the work force of the future. They're learning everything from robotics to construction to culinary arts. It's a model for the rest of the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they expand their clean energy jobs training options.

See pictures of the West Slope tour
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - 'Udall, Hickenlooper visit Western Slope'

Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell

'You don't have to be straight to shoot straight.'

Those were the words of Senator Barry Goldwater, a combat veteran and unflinching advocate for national defense, and they sum up my position on our nation's failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law.

This week, in a press conference in the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing room, I - and a dozen of my U.S. Senate colleagues - introduced a bill to repeal this misguided law, which requires gay service members to lie about their identity in order to serve in our armed forces. Not only does it go against the principles and the standards our military relies on, it puts our national security at risk.

Our bill would immediately end discharges under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and give the military more than a year to study how to implement the ban. Today was momentous - this is the first Senate bill to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' And I predict we will ultimately have bipartisan support for it because, plain and simple, this is an issue of military effectiveness. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen, General Colin Powell, and former Vice President Dick Cheney all say the law's time has passed.

At a time when we are fighting two wars with an all-volunteer military, our troops are being asked to serve five tours of duty or more. In fact, my office has talked to a service member who has done seven combat tours since 9/11. With all the stresses on our armed forces, we need all the qualified service members we have to fight. It's time for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to go, and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue my fight to do just that.

Watch the press conference
Read more about my efforts to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Dear Fellow Coloradan,

Whether in Washington or on my visits home to Colorado, my top priority is doing everything I can to support job creation and strengthen our economy. In the last month, I took advantage of a recess from Congress to continue my 'Colorado Work Force Tour' visiting Coloradans on the Western Slope to talk about ways to produce more jobs and invest in our economy. I also gathered business and policy leaders for a summit in Aurora focused on how to keep Colorado at the forefront of the new energy revolution.

We've returned to work here in Congress, and this week, I co-sponsored a bill to help improve our national security at a time of two wars, by repealing the outdated 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law. Below is more information about my work to fight for you in the U.S. Senate. Thank you for your continued interest. I appreciate hearing from you and getting your input. And I hope to see you in the near future in Colorado.

Warm regards,

Colorado Energy Jobs Summit

The new energy revolution is re-powering America, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security by promoting energy independence. And Colorado is leading the way, with small businesses and entrepreneurs capitalizing on the potential of our abundant sun, wind, and natural gas.

But we face real competition abroad.

I believe we need to do everything we can to ensure that the world looks to America, and Colorado, for its clean energy technology and not the other way around. We have to get this right. And when we do, we will create long lasting, good paying jobs for Coloradans, jobs that can't be sent overseas.

That's why last month, I brought together the best scientific, policy and business minds in Colorado to participate in a Colorado Energy Jobs Summit. I co-hosted the summit in Aurora with the University of Colorado, Third Way and The Keystone Center to talk about steps we need to take to create jobs and ensure Colorado stays at the forefront of the global clean energy economy.

The event was a great success, and I believe it laid a blueprint for how to build private/public partnerships and foster a pro-growth economic climate that will unleash innovation in the energy sector.

At the end of the summit, I was honored to have U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu join me on stage for an energy 'town hall' meeting. For over an hour, the Secretary and I took questions from the audience as well as Coloradans around the state, who submitted questions by email. It was an informative discussion, and I invite you to watch the entire event on the 9NEWS website.

Watch the town hall
Read more about the Colorado Energy Jobs Summit

West Slope Work Force Tour

I'm working every day to help create jobs and strengthen Colorado's economy, and one way I'm doing that is through my Colorado Work Force Tour, which I launched last year. It gives me an opportunity to talk to workers across the state, and discuss ways I can help businesses and communities invest in creating more good-paying jobs.

Over the last month, I continued the tour on the Western Slope. I met with leaders at Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs, which is creating new opportunities in renewable energy. And I toured the Clifton Sanitation District, where they formed a creative public-private arrangement to finance a water-treatment facility - and spurred new economic opportunities at the same time.

One highlight of my tour was meeting with students at Collbran Job Corps. I got such a warm welcome - they met me at the door with a drum line and an ROTC salute. Collbran is truly impressive - the young people there are the work force of the future. They're learning everything from robotics to construction to culinary arts. It's a model for the rest of the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they expand their clean energy jobs training options.

See pictures of the West Slope tour
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel - 'Udall, Hickenlooper visit Western Slope'

Repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell

'You don't have to be straight to shoot straight.'

Those were the words of Senator Barry Goldwater, a combat veteran and unflinching advocate for national defense, and they sum up my position on our nation's failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law.

This week, in a press conference in the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing room, I - and a dozen of my U.S. Senate colleagues - introduced a bill to repeal this misguided law, which requires gay service members to lie about their identity in order to serve in our armed forces. Not only does it go against the principles and the standards our military relies on, it puts our national security at risk.

Our bill would immediately end discharges under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and give the military more than a year to study how to implement the ban. Today was momentous - this is the first Senate bill to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' And I predict we will ultimately have bipartisan support for it because, plain and simple, this is an issue of military effectiveness. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen, General Colin Powell, and former Vice President Dick Cheney all say the law's time has passed.

At a time when we are fighting two wars with an all-volunteer military, our troops are being asked to serve five tours of duty or more. In fact, my office has talked to a service member who has done seven combat tours since 9/11. With all the stresses on our armed forces, we need all the qualified service members we have to fight. It's time for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to go, and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue my fight to do just that.

Watch the press conference
Read more about my efforts to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

'You don't have to be straight to shoot straight.'

Those were the words of Senator Barry Goldwater, a combat veteran and unflinching advocate for national defense, and they sum up my position on our nation's failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law.

Today, in a press conference in the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing room, I - and a dozen of my U.S. Senate colleagues - introduced a bill to repeal this misguided law, which requires gay service members to lie about their identity in order to serve in our armed forces. Not only does it go against the principles and the standards our military relies on, it puts our national security at risk.

Our bill would immediately end discharges under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' and give the military more than a year to study how to implement the ban. Today was momentous - this is the first Senate bill to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' And I predict we will ultimately have bipartisan support for it because, plain and simple, this is an issue of military effectiveness. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen, General Colin Powell, and former Vice President Dick Cheney all say the law's time has passed.

At a time when we are fighting two wars with an all-volunteer military, our troops are being asked to serve five tours of duty or more. In fact, my office has talked to a service member who has done seven combat tours since 9/11. With all the stresses on our armed forces, we need all the qualified service members we have to fight - we shouldn't be dismissing them just because they're gay. You certainly don't have to be straight to recognize who the enemy is. It's time for 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to go, and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue my fight to do just that.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues to help get the necessary resources to the people in need. Learn more about how you can help at WhiteHouse.gov or the U.S. Department of State.

To report the names of Americans missing in Chile, contact the State Department's Consular Task Force at ChileEarthquake@state.gov. Those without email access may contact the Department's Consular Task Force Hotline at 1-888-407-4747.

Coloradans who are concerned about family and friends in Chile should contact my Senate Office at 202-224-5941 or toll free at 877-7-MUDALL (877-768-3255). My staff is working with the State Department to locate and, if necessary, assist Coloradans who are in Chile.

While in Northern Colorado, I had the pleasure of presenting Ret. Senior Chief Petty Officer Bill Dudley, a U.S. Navy World War II Veteran, with ten military medals and decorations minted to honor his service.

Bill, who is 91-years-old, risked his life to serve our country. He lives outside of Eaton in Weld County with his wife Karla. He has three children, and is proud of his grandson who serves in the Navy.

He recently reached out to me and asked if I could assist him in obtaining these medals that he never requested after his service.

It was an honor to help. It's Coloradans like Bill who make me proud to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

We need more than tough talk to get our economy back on track.

Coloradans need concrete ideas to ensure we stay at the forefront of the new energy revolution that is re-powering America, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security by promoting energy independence.

That's why I'm bringing together a diverse group of business leaders, scientists, energy and environmental advocacy groups, and local public officials to participate in a Colorado Energy Jobs Summit.

I believe this event will become a blueprint for how to build private/public partnerships that foster a pro-growth economic climate and unleash innovation in the energy sector.

I invite you to tune in to a live webcast of a question and answer session I'll be hosting with Energy Secretary Steven Chu and 9News moderator Adam Schrager. The live stream will begin this Friday at 1:30 PM on the 9News website.

Friends, we face great challenges ahead. Economic downturn, threats from international terrorism, and climate change loom heavily on the hearts and minds of Americans. But I am committed to finding common ground to create jobs, grow our economy, promote American energy independence, and protect our nation’s security.

Working together, we can accomplish these goals - with Colorado leading the way.

Warm regards,

UPDATE: If you missed the live webcast of the Energy Town Hall with Secretary Chu, you can watch the entire event on the 9News website.

We need more than tough talk to get our economy back on track.

Coloradans need concrete ideas to ensure we stay at the forefront of the new energy revolution that is re-powering America, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security by promoting energy independence.

That's why I'm bringing together a diverse group of business leaders, scientists, energy and environmental advocacy groups, and local public officials to participate in a Colorado Energy Jobs Summit.

I believe this event will become a blueprint for how to build private/public partnerships that foster a pro-growth economic climate and unleash innovation in the energy sector.

I invite you to tune in to a live webcast of a question and answer session I'll be hosting with Energy Secretary Steven Chu and 9News moderator Adam Schrager. The live stream will begin this Friday at 1:30 PM on the 9News website.

Friends, we face great challenges ahead. Economic downturn, threats from international terrorism, and climate change loom heavily on the hearts and minds of Americans. But I am committed to finding common ground to create jobs, grow our economy, promote American energy independence, and protect our nation’s security.

Working together, we can accomplish these goals - with Colorado leading the way.

Warm regards,

My top priority is to help create jobs and strengthen Colorado's economy. That's why last year I launched my Colorado Work Force Tour, to talk to workers across the state, and discuss ways I can help businesses and communities create more good-paying jobs. Today, I continued the tour on the Western Slope. I met with leaders at Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs, which is creating new opportunities in renewable energy. And I toured the Clifton Sanitation District, where they formed a creative public-private arrangement to finance a water-treatment facility - and spurred new economic opportunities at the same time.

One highlight of my tour was meeting with students at Collbran Job Corps. I got such a warm welcome - they met me at the door with a drum line and an ROTC salute. Collbran is truly impressive - the young people there are the work force of the future. They're learning everything from robotics to construction to culinary arts. It's a model for the rest of the country, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they expand their clean energy jobs training options.

Tomorrow, I'm continuing my tour. I'll visit with Western Slope law enforcement officials, hold a roundtable discussion about Delta-Montrose Electrical Association's leadership in renewable energy programs, and tour Intermountain Resources to talk about how we can use bark beetle-killed trees to create clean energy.

This amendment (#2955), modeled after my bill S. 1628, would address the shortfall of rural physicians by creating a grant program to help expand rural training programs at medical schools. Of Colorado's 47 rural counties, all but three are designated by the federal government as 'health professional shortage areas.' This amendment would train 'home-grown' doctors with a real, personal interest in the health of their communities. A 2008 study found that if all medical schools enrolled just 10 students per class in a program like this, we could double the number of graduating rural doctors.