Press Releases

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) is pleased to announce that Lee Anne Pugliese has been selected as his office’s first recipient of a Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship.

A resident of Carbondale, Pugliese will work for Rep. Cartwright’s district offices as a Congressional Advocate, working directly with constituents and helping them navigate government agencies.

Established by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Gold Star Family Fellows Program provides employment opportunities for families of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.

In 2005, Pugliese’s husband, the late SFC George A. Pugliese, was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, while serving with the Pennsylvania National Guard. In addition to Lee Anne, he is survived by the couple’s three children: Nicholas, Jonathon and Avianna.

“I will forever be grateful for all the support my family has received,” Lee Anne Pugliese said. “One small act of kindness can make a huge difference. I really appreciate this opportunity to work with Congressman Cartwright’s team, where I can be part of making a difference.”

“To our fallen servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for defending our nation, we promised that we would be there for their families,” said Rep. Cartwright. “This fellowship is not only about keeping this promise, but also about adding to our team someone who knows better than most what it means to give back to our country. It is this perspective that makes Lee Anne well suited to be an effective constituent advocate. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”