[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 46 (Monday, April 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO LARRY MITCHELL COOK

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a Vietnam war hero 
who is no longer with us. His name was Larry Mitchell Cook of 
Kalispell, MT. I also rise to praise the work of his brave 11-year-old 
daughter, Heather Cook.
  Earlier this year I received a letter from Heather. Heather explained 
how her father had been exposed to agent orange in Vietnam. As a result 
of this exposure, Larry contacted an incurable disease known as non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma. Heather went on to say how proud she was of her 
father and that she thought her dad deserved a medal for his bravery 
and honorable service. I could not agree with her more.
  On behalf of the Cook family, I contacted the Department of Defense, 
explained this unfortunate situation and asked them to award the medals 
Larry earned to his survivors. I am pleased to report that today 
Heather and her mother will receive three medals in recognition of 
Larry's undaunted service to this country.
  In closing, I want to thank Heather for giving me the opportunity to 
help her. Every Member of the Senate knows how rewarding it is when our 
work makes a difference in the lives of the people we work for. But it 
is particularly gratifying when it is a young person, like Heather, who 
takes the initiative to right a wrong. Finally, on behalf of all 
Americans, I want to thank her father, Larry Mitchell Cook, for making 
the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all live in a better world.

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