June 5, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1155 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT After completing his education at the U.S. lationship with the company that is better than AUTHORIZING CONGRESS TO Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, it has ever been. Mel is a true leader in his PROHIBIT PHYSICAL DESECRA- and receiving a degree in engineering Tim community and a role model for the future TION OF THE FLAG OF THE completed his undergraduate pilot training in leaders of the MDA. 1976 and in 1977 he became a First Lieuten- Mr. Speaker, I encourage the Members of ant. Tim served as a C–141 pilot for the 53rd the House of Representatives to join me in SPEECH OF Military Airlift Squadron out of Norton Air honoring Melvin Olsson for his 13 years of HON. JEFF MILLER Force Base in from 1976 to 1982 service as head of the MDA. I wish him all the OF during which time he was promoted to Cap- best. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tain. In 1984, he was assigned as the chief Tuesday, June 3, 2003 pilot for the 728th Military Airlift Squadron. f Three years later he was promoted to Major Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, House and was assigned as the chief of wing stand- PAYING TRIBUTE TO POLICE Joint Resolution 4 does not outlaw flag dese- ardization/evaluation for the 445th Airlift Wing CHIEF LONNIE WESTPHAL cration; rather, this proposal merely sets the at Norton and would later become assistant boundaries by which Congress can enact sub- deputy commander for operations. Over the sequent legislation, if it so chooses, to prohibit next 13 years he would be promoted to Lieu- HON. SCOTT McINNIS such conduct. H.J. Res. 4 simply returns to tenant Colonel and then Colonel. Since 2002 OF COLORADO Congress the authority that it possessed for he has been the Commander of the 452nd Air IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES over 200 years to prohibit the physical dese- Mobility Wing at . Col. Thursday, June 5, 2003 cration of the flag of the United States. Wrighton has logged over 7,800 flight hours in This past week, I visited , where a variety of aircraft including the C–141 A/B, freedom is nowhere and democratic thought is Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great KC–10, and KC–135R. oppressed. Our American flag is the most re- pleasure to stand before this body of Con- Col. Wrighton has received numerous gress today to pay tribute to an individual who vered and beloved symbol of our Nation, rep- awards throughout his distinguished career in- resenting all that is American and reminding has dedicated his life to protecting the Amer- cluding: Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service ican public. Lonnie Westphal of Lakespur, Col- the world of our love of our freedom and de- Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Air Medal; mocracy. The flag is a bedrock of our prin- orado first donned the badge of a Colorado Aerial Achievement Medal; Air Force Com- State Patrolman 29 years ago. This week he ciples and values as a country, leading our mendation Medal; Air Force Achievement men and women into conflicts around the will retire from the force after an impressive Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with career in which he rose in the ranks from a globe and draping the caskets of those same oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service individuals when they return home after giving state trooper to the head of the Colorado Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; State Patrol. the ultimate sacrifice in defense of such val- Southwest Asia Service Medal with two oak ues. It is the flag to which we pledge alle- Chief Westphal is one of those special peo- leaf clusters; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; ple in our society who willingly put themselves giance, here on the floor of the House of Rep- Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Air resentatives, in civic organizations in every in harm’s way to protect the public. He knew Force Training Ribbon; and the Libera- he would never get rich in his chosen profes- town in America, and in schools throughout tion Medal from the Saudi Arabian Govern- our country. It is this object and all that it rep- sion, but he also knew that some things, such ment. as keeping our families out of harm’s way, resents that Americans hold so dear. Col. Wrighton is also a life member and House Joint Resolution 4 will nullify two er- come with rewards not measured by monetary Chapter President of the Reserve Officers’ As- means. Thus, it is not surprising that Chief roneous Supreme Court decisions, restoring sociation, a Life Member of the Airlift/Tanker the original interpretation to the First Amend- Westphal distinguished himself so honorably Association, Life Member of the AFA, a Life by serving on numerous boards such as the ment that had persisted for over two centuries Member of the VFW and a Member of since the birth of our country. When consid- National Commission Against Drunk Driving, Daedalians. the International Association of Chiefs of Po- ering the powers of our respective branches of Col. Wrighton’s tireless commitment to serv- lice, the State Patrol Protective Association, government in effecting the will of the Amer- ice has contributed immensely to the better- and many more. ican people, we should be reminded of the ment of the country and the community of Riv- words of Abraham Lincoln in his first inaugural erside, CA. I am proud to call him a fellow Mr. Speaker, our nation owes a great debt address in 1861, ‘‘If the policy of the govern- community member, American and friend. I to Chief Westphal and all brave heroes like ment upon vital questions affecting the whole know that many community members are him who keep the peace at home. Because of people is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions grateful for his patriotic service and salute him. his service, the state of Colorado is a better of the Supreme Court, the people will have f and safer place to live. I thank Chief Westphal ceased to be their own rulers.’’ for his service to his community, the State of I commend my colleagues for recognizing HONORING MELVIN E. OLSSON Colorado, and this nation. All the best to you, the wishes of the American people and restor- Lonnie; enjoy your retirement! ing the original interpretation and under- HON. ROB SIMMONS standing of the First Amendment and the Bill OF CONNECTICUT f of Rights to the Constitution by supporting this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES resolution. Thursday, June 5, 2003 TRIBUTE TO MR. AND MRS. DONALD WALLACE OF FLORENCE f Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to COLONEL TIMOTHY WRIGHTON honor Mr. Melvin E. Olsson of Mystic, CT, for his dedicated service to the community HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. HON. throughout his 43-year career at Electric Boat OF ALABAMA in Groton, CT. OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Yesterday, for the first time in 13 years, Mel Olsson’s name did not appear on the ballot for Thursday, June 5, 2003 Thursday, June 5, 2003 the Marine Draftsmen’s Association, MDA, Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to union elections at Electric Boat. Olsson is re- Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual and pa- tiring from his post as president of the local recognize Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wallace of triot whose dedication and contributions to his 571 at Electric Boat and will return to his trade Florence, AL. For 23 years, they have pro- country and the military community of March as piping designer. vided outstanding service to the American Le- Air Reserve Base, March ARB, in Riverside, Mel began as an apprentice in the shipyard gion—Mr. Wallace as adjutant and Mrs. Wal- CA, are exceptional. March ARB has been for- in 1962 and moved to the design force just 2 lace as his assistant. tunate to have dynamic and dedicated leaders years later. Elected vice president of the local Mr. Wallace began serving the American who willingly and unselfishly give their time in 1975, Olsson has dedicated much of his ca- Legion as an assistant to the former adjutant and talent and make their communities a bet- reer to serving the MDA. and will be retiring later this month. As adju- ter place to live and work. Colonel Timothy I commend Mel Olsson for his dedicated tant, Mr. Wallace was charged with maintain- Wrighton is one of these individuals. On June service to the working men and women of ing both the records and activities of the group 6, 2003, he will be honored at a farewell cele- Electric Boat who design the best submarines of over 1,000; however, he did not limit him- bration and dinner. in the world. He has worked to establish a re- self to those tasks. Mr. Wallace helped rebuild

VerDate Jan 31 2003 05:54 Jun 06, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05JN8.013 E05PT1 E1156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 5, 2003 the American Legion’s reputation as both a without the additional workload anticipated HONORING COLE REVIS veteran’s advocacy and community service or- from the integration with Lakeside scheduled ganization. Under Wallace’s leadership, the for early August. VA Chicago is working to ac- HON. SCOTT McINNIS post received state and national attention as a commodate its inpatients in a facility that has OF COLORADO leader in supporting the Boys State Program, inadequate intensive care units, inpatient IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a program which teaches lessons of patriotism units, and surgical suites. Once the new facil- and civics to high school juniors. He also ity is operational, the existing facility will also Thursday, June 5, 2003 worked with the American Legion Baseball have to undergo significant renovations to im- Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a pro- program and oratorical contests that offered prove the emergency department, laboratory found sense of pride that I stand before this scholarships to local participants. and radiological services, and food and nutri- Congress to speak about the actions of Cole Although Mr. Wallace does not like taking tional areas. Revis. Cole, a second grader in Grand Junc- credit for the success of the group, many vet- Because of the importance and the urgency tion, Colorado, has shown more kindness and erans and families in the Shoals will tell you of this project, my legislation would prohibit VA maturity in the face of adversity than most that without him the Legion would not be what Chicago from disposing, in any manner, of the people have three times his age. Cole’s father, it is today. Wallace simply believes that his Lakeside division without first entering into a a veteran of the first Gulf War, passed away work at the American Legion is just the con- contract for the construction of the new bed this spring from skin cancer. Cole understood tinuation of work begun by an earlier genera- tower promised to Chicago area veterans. the sacrifices his father made in the service of tion, the original Legionnaires who established our country and he is trying his best to follow The bill would also fund a project to replace the post in 1919 and the veterans his father’s courageous example. the existing ambulatory care center in Las who built their current hall in 1939. As adju- Mark Revis, Cole’s father, was a Staff Ser- Vegas, NV. As my good friend, Shelley Berk- tant, Wallace helped maintain this building that geant in the 143rd Signal Company of the Col- ley often reminds the Committee, Las Vegas has been their home for 64 years. orado National Guard for six years, having has the fastest growing populations in the Mr. Speaker, I also want to pay tribute to previously served for 14 years in the Army. country and its veteran enrollees are not ex- Mr. Wallace’s wife of 60 years, Mrs. Ellen Mark was forced to retire from the National pected to peak until 2012. Veterans’ use of Wallace. As his assistant at the Legion, Mrs. Guard when he was diagnosed with Multiple services is expected to remain higher than it Wallace filed paperwork and served with the Sclerosis. He was later diagnosed with lung is currently throughout the 20–year timeframe Ladies Auxiliary during the chicken stews and cancer and then skin cancer. Mark fought studied for VA’s Capital Assets Realignment other activities. Mr. Wallace credits her with each disease and that same fighting spirit is for Enhanced Services project. making him the man he is today. evident in his son. He passed away in Feb- Despite the irregular hours, low pay, and Unfortunately, in constructing a new ambu- ruary, at the age of 44. lack of prestige, both Mr. and Mrs. Wallace latory care clinic there in 1997, VA seems to After receiving a death benefit check from enjoyed helping many people during their time have fallen prey to a contractor whose work the government, Cole felt strongly that this in- of service with the American Legion. They was seriously substandard. An independent heritance should go to his father’s fellow sol- have dedicated themselves to their commu- assessment by John A. Martin and Associates diers. While most eight year olds would have nity, and on behalf of the people of north Ala- yielded an opinion that the clinic was ‘‘unsafe bought candy, Cole wanted to use his money bama I thank them for their service and con- for continued occupancy.’’ Because of the in a way that would help others. So Cole de- gratulate them on a job well done. contractor’s repeated failure to address seri- cided his money would be spent buying care f ous structural deficiencies in the building, VA packages for United States troops serving in is now forced to abandon it. As an interim Operation Iraqi Freedom. INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO AU- measure, VA is sending its patients to 10 dif- Mr. Speaker, I am honored to speak today THORIZE CERTAIN MAJOR MED- ferent ambulatory care clinics around the city. about Cole Revis. His passion, kindness, ma- ICAL FACILITY PROJECTS FOR This inefficient delivery system is forcing VA to turity and heart are an inspiration to us all. THE DEPARTMENT OF VET- add 80 full-time employees with significant Cole’s optimism and understanding of the role ERANS AFFAIRS new operational costs. My bill would request and duty that his father fulfilled have allowed $97.3 million to build a new centralized facility him to understand that while his father is HON. LANE EVANS that would also include space for a new re- gone, his actions will never be forgotten. I OF ILLINOIS gional office for the Veterans Benefits Admin- know that if he were here today, Mark Revis IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES istration. would be extremely proud of his son. Thank Thursday, June 5, 2003 In FY 2002, VA listed seismic corrections at you, Cole. Your actions are a testament to the the VA Medical Center as one of will and unyielding strength that America’s Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today, I am intro- its highest construction priorities. Later, I am youth represents. ducing a bill with my friend, the chairman of told, cost considerations—not any change in f the Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee, the assessment of need—yielded a lower pri- ROB SIMMONS. This bill will authorize several ority for the project. I am still convinced that RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING desperately needed major medical construc- there is a great risk to VA patients and staff ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN AND tion projects in Chicago, IL; San Diego, CA; at the site and my bill would authorize $48.6 SUPPORTED OPERATION ENDUR- Las Vegas, NV; and West Haven, CT. I urge million to address the needs at the facility. ING FREEDOM IN AFGHANISTAN all of my colleagues to support this bill to jump AND OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM West Haven VA Medical Center is in serious start the stalled major medical construction en- IN IRAQ need of major renovations to its inpatient deavor in the Department of Veterans Affairs. wards and research facilities. For many years, My bill would honor the commitment the De- SPEECH OF the inpatient ward renovations have been a partment of Veterans Affairs made to build a high priority for VA construction, but resources HON. JIM SAXTON new bed tower at the West Side division of VA have not allowed the project to move forward. OF NEW JERSEY Chicago. While Secretary Anthony Principi has I am requesting $50 million for this project and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES decided to move forward with the closure of to renovate the research facilities. inpatient services at the Lakeside division, he Wednesday, June 4, 2003 has not asked for an appropriation for the new Finally, Charlotte, NC, is home to one of the Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, with yesterday’s construction project at West Side. Instead, the largest populations in the country without a passage of H. Con. Res. 177, we formally rec- funding for this project—$98.5 million—is sup- significant VA health care system presence. ognized and commended our Armed Forces posed to come from an enhanced use lease The project requested in this bill would allow for their participation and success in Operation agreement whose value some experts claim VA to greatly expand its current workload in a Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Free- has been greatly overestimated. I am not will- clinic in the downtown area and enroll vet- dom. Our magnificent men and women in uni- ing to make such a gamble on veterans’ ac- erans who are now unable to receive care. I form serve as the greatest ambassadors of cess to a functional medical center in the Chi- have included $3 million for the cost of the what is good and right in our world. They are cago area. lease. the bearers of the tremendous might, the in- The West Side facility is a 50–year old facil- All of these projects merit our immediate at- domitable spirit, and the boundless compas- ity ill-suited to respond to the demands of a tention and approval by all Members. I urge sion of our nation and the freedom loving peo- modern health care delivery system, even your favorable consideration. ple everywhere.

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