HONORING MASTER SERGEANT SANDRA "SANDY" MCHUGH

HONORING MASTER SERGEANT SANDRA "SANDY" MCHUGH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 47 (Monday, March 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E219-E220] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MASTER SERGEANT SANDRA ``SANDY'' MCHUGH _____ HON. DONALD NORCROSS of new jersey in the house of representatives Monday, March 16, 2026 Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor and commend Master Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh, hometown hero of Collingswood. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, family, friends, and members of the community gathered at the Collingswood Senior Community Center in Collingswood, New Jersey, to honor and recognize Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh for her service to both her community and the United States of America. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and raised in the Baldwin neighborhood, Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh went on to attend Carnegie Mellon University for Graphic Design. She transferred to Temple University's Tyler School of Art where she earned a bachelor's in fine arts and master's in film production. After graduating she began teaching art in Cherry Hill from first to sixth grade at Johnson Elementary. While teaching art, Master Sergeant Sandy McHugh served in the Air National Guard and went back to school, attending Glassboro State to earn her master's degree in education. Sandy taught at Johnson Elementary school for 30 years and simultaneously served [[Page E220]] for 29 years as a member of the 108th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Force National Guard. Stationed at McGuire Air Force Base. she achieved the rank of Master Sergeant by the time she was honorably discharged. Sandy served in the office of public relations for 21 years and spent the remaining years as the head non-commissioned officer in the Chaplain's Office. Throughout her career she travelled the country educating fellow members on services of the Chaplain's Office, contributed photographic work on behalf of the Air National Guard, protected the chaplain, and organized drives to help both soldiers and their families before and after deployment. Today, Master Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh is a 50-year resident of the Borough of Collingswood. She has played a role in the education of many students for whom her garden was a stop for class field trips. Throughout the years, she has also donated her personal art supplies to Collingswood Schools. Sandy is also the owner of the Seacoast Art Gallery in Topsail, North Carolina, that she opens and operates each summer. The walls are covered with her artwork and spaces filled with ceramic and pottery artwork from local artists. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending Master Sergeant Sandra ``Sandy'' McHugh a citizen dedicated to both her country and community, and who has thoroughly served them both to the best of their ability. ____________________