HARTFORD — Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s 2015 Board of Visitors, released the following statement congratulating Capt. Kristen Griest of Orange, Connecticut and 1st Lt. Shaye Havern of Texas on their completion of Army Ranger School. Griest and Havern – both graduates of West Point – will be the first two women to graduate from Army Ranger School.

“Congrats to both Kristen and Shaye on their extraordinary accomplishments! Kristen and Shaye have more than earned their right to wear Ranger tabs on their uniforms and I know that their achievement represents a monumental step toward ending gender barriers in the military. These women have demonstrated some of the greatest overall strength, and I hope that the Pentagon will act as swiftly as possible to ensure that Kristen, Shaye, and all of the women that follow in their footsteps are able to join the 75th Ranger Regiment if they so choose.

“On behalf of the entire community in Orange and across Connecticut, we are especially proud of Kristen and thank her for all that she has dedicated to our state and our nation.”