[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S14769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            LOREN TORKELSON

 Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, while we all have different people 
we admire and want to emulate, there are a few individuals that 
everyone can agree is a true hero and model citizen. Loren Torkelson 
was one such individual. Loren, a Billings, MT, native, passed away on 
September 17 in Lexington, KY. He was 54.
  In 1966, after graduating from the University of North Dakota, he 
joined the Air Force and became a pilot. During his second combat tour, 
he was shot down and taken prisoner. He spent 6 years in the infamous 
``Hanoi Hilton'' suffering constant abuse until his release in 1973. He 
was a highly decorated officer, receiving two Silver Stars, three 
flying crosses, 16 Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for 
Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation 
Medal.
  Yet for all the hardship he experienced, he acted like a hero in his 
private life as well. After the war, he earned a law degree from the 
University of North Dakota. After serving as a judge advocate, he 
joined and later became a partner in the law firm of Richter and 
Associates. He spent his legal career as a trial lawyer fighting for 
individual rights.
  His foremost passion was his family. It always came first. He lived a 
private life, never seeking gratification for his numerous 
accomplishments. There are few individuals who can lead such an 
exemplary professional and personal life.
  The way in which he lived his life will always be a model for others. 
He will be sorely missed.

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