Congressman Alcee L. Hastings made the following statement on June 7, 2011, honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Bloneva Bullard:

M. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the life and legacy of Mrs. Bloneva Bullard. Bloneva was born on October 13, 1936 and raised in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

As a young woman Bloneva graduated from Carver High School also in Delray Beach. As a young woman, Bloneva showed great promise with her hands as she became a licensed cosmetologist. However, she felt a greater calling for her life -- she felt a calling to heal those who were sick. Bloneva Bullard enrolled in Broward Community College and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She later would complete her training and become a Registered Nurse. As a nurse, she opened doors by becoming the first African-American Recovery Room Charge Nurse at North Broward Medical Center, where she worked until her retirement.

Bloneva was not only a motivated career woman, but she was also a tireless community servant. Her many affiliations include: Founder and Director of the R.U.B. Foundation, Pride of Ft. Lauderdale Elks Lodge # 395, Rosebud Heroines of Jericho, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association.

M. Speaker, Mrs. Bloneva Bullard passed away on May 17, 2011 after a very full life. Her life was spent working for the betterment of humankind. Mrs. Bloneva Bullard was a true stalwart that touched the lives of many.

• ARCHIVED HEROES