[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
          RICHARD ``DICK'' DeYOUNG CHAMPION OF RETIREE'S CAUSE

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. BARCIA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mr. Richard ``Dick'' DeYoung. Mr. DeYoung served with distinction in 
the United States Air Force for over 30 years. His service began during 
the years of World War II, through the Vietnam War, and concluded in 
the early 1970s. He served in both of these conflicts, and at duty 
stations through out the world.
  Mr. DeYoung resides in Oscoda, Michigan, which until June of 1993 was 
the home of Wurtsmith Air Force Base. In the area surrounding the 
former base a large Air Force retirees population has established 
itself. They have all felt the impacting of this base closure. Services 
and privileges they have had come to rely on, and were told they would 
always have, have been literally revoked because of this closure.
  Presently, Mr. DeYoung has embarked on a citizens lobbying campaign. 
This campaign is centered on regaining what he believes are benefits 
that were promised to him, and other service members, during their 
years on duty. Primarily, Mr. DeYoung has been lobbying on the issue of 
health care for retirees.
  Through out his service, Mr. DeYoung was led to believe that he would 
be provided health care during his retirement. His service, with the 
many hardships and adversaries it encompasses, was to be his payment 
for life time health care and other benefits.
  Mr. DeYoung has come to Washington to press his case. During his time 
here, Mr. DeYoung has worked on these issues by meeting congressional 
leaders and getting the word out through military associations. On his 
last visit Mr. DeYoung met with Congressman Sonny Montgomery, Chairman 
of the Committee on Veterans, other members of the House, and staff 
members of both Senate and House sides of Capitol Hill.
  Mr. DeYoung has also worked with the National Association of 
Uniformed Services to garner signatures from members on a ``Statement 
of Support.'' In part, this statement of support calls for the 
protection of ``funding and personnel levels for military medical care 
to keep lifetime medical care promises.''
  Mr. DeYoung selflessly served his country, and is now serving 
retirees in his role as an advocate extraordinaire. Mr. Speaker, this 
type of behavior should be recognized, and lifted up as an example for 
all America. He is a role model for his fellow citizens.

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