[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 26, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: January 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   THE RETIREMENT OF THOMAS P. MULLON

 Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I rise today to ask my 
colleagues to pause for a moment and join me in honoring a fine public 
servant and great advocate for veterans. Thomas P. Mullon retired on 
January 22, 1994 as the Director of the VA Medical Center in 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, one of the best VA hospitals in the country.
  Let me tell you a little bit about Tom Mullon and why we in Minnesota 
will especially miss him.
  Tom Mullon is a veteran himself. During his long and illustrious 
career, he never forgot that. Tom's pride in being a veteran has always 
been evident. As a result he has consistently sought to act in the best 
interests of the Nation's veterans.
  He has been the Director in Minneapolis since 1984 and has held over 
a dozen other key assignments in the Department, including Regional 
Director of the VA's Midwest Region.
  I would also like to tell you about some of Tom's accomplishments 
during his tenure in the VA. There are dozens that come to mind. Let me 
just mention a few of them.
  First, he has received numerous awards over the years from the VA as 
well as other agencies for his strong leadership and tireless efforts 
to serve veterans and their families. For example, in 1987 he received 
the Governor's Special Commendation and in 1988 the Presidential Award 
for Distinguished Executives.
  Second, in the mid-1980's he worked arduously to plan, construct, and 
open the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, from which he has just retired. 
Due in no small part to Tom's dedicated efforts, this medical facility 
has become the pride and joy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 
and, more important, of veterans throughout the region.
  Third, Tom has been instrumental in establishing several innovative 
and valuable programs within the Minneapolis VAMC, including the Women 
Veterans Comprehensive Health Care Center, the Brain Sciences Center 
and endowed chair, and the Transitional Housing for Veterans Program. 
In 1989, he also played a pivotal role in the opening of the Twin Ports 
Satellite Clinic in Superior, Wisconsin, to better serve the veterans 
of northern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
  Finally, Tom deserves special recognition for his exemplary 
leadership in strengthening VA mental health services, such as 
expanding treatment options in Minnesota for post-traumatic stress 
disorder.
  With his deep commitment to veterans and their health care, Tom has 
earned the acclaim of all veterans' organizations, local as well as 
national.
  With over three decades of service to his country, Tom will be 
missed, but not forgotten. Every time a veteran checks into the VA 
Medical Center Tom opened or applies to one of the VA programs Tom 
established, we will be reminded of this remarkable man's efforts and 
accomplishments. I am confident that Minnesota veterans will join me in 
expressing deep appreciation for Tom's unstinting efforts on their 
behalf and in wishing him a happy and productive retirement.
  Mr. President, I conclude my remarks by asking my colleagues and the 
Nation to join me today in thanking Thomas P. Mullon for his 
commitment, dedication, and service to the Nation and its 
veterans.

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