[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    A SALUTE TO AMERICAN LEGION MICHIGAN COMMANDER WILLIAM F. MILLER

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 24, 1995
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, we all owe a great debt to the many veterans 
of America's Armed Forces. Many of them have sacrificed greatly to 
protect our freedoms and to help make our Nation the greatest in the 
world. I know that our veterans who respect and revere true leadership 
also feel that a debt is owed to those individuals who lead our 
veterans' organizations, helping to gain public recognition of the 
contribution of veterans and the needs of many of their legion.
  This weekend American Legion Post 18 is honoring William F. Miller, 
the Commander of the Department of Michigan of the American Legion for 
his years of service to his Legion, and to our Nation. Commander Miller 
will be completing his term as State Commander this July and is being 
recognized for his devotion to his beliefs. A Korean war veteran from 
Bay City Post 18, State Commander Miller has served the American Legion 
in many capacities, including both Commander of Post 18 and 10th 
District Commander. He also set new records for membership as the 
Department Membership Director, and then served as Department 4th Zone 
Vice Commander and as Chairman of the Vice Commanders.
  Commander Miller's presence is well known throughout the Bay area and 
the State of Michigan. Having served as President of the local Chamber 
of Commerce, the Chairman of the Board for the Bay County Convention 
and Visitors Bureau, and as Director of the Bay County Growth Alliance, 
he has done all that he can to help promote his own community. He has 
done all of this while being a self-employed electrical contractor for 
more than 21 years.
  Perhaps one of the greatest achievements is having been able to do 
all of these things with the strong support of his wife, Darlene, 
because we all appreciate that the demands for time often force us to 
make choices that ask others to make a sacrifice. Darlene has been a 
source of essential support having served herself as Past President of 
Unit 18 and the Auxiliary's 10th District.
  It has been my great pleasure and honor as a Member of Congress to 
work closely with a number of veterans who have served their Nation 
well. In some cases the attention and assistance of Members of Congress 
is needed, but in more cases the representation of effective veterans' 
organizations like the American Legion and leaders like Commander 
William Miller is essential. I invite all of our colleagues in thanking 
Commander Miller for his services to our Nation and to the Legion, and 
wishing him the very best with the many new activities in which he is 
sure to excel.


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