[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 196 (Monday, December 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2333-E2334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GEORGE LESLIE McCULLEN

                                 ______


                      HON. G.V. (SONNY) MONTGOMERY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 11, 1995

  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, November 11, 1995, George 
Leslie McCullen was laid to rest. George was an extraordinarily good 
and honorable man, a valued friend, and a strong ally.
  There is a sweet irony that George was buried on Veterans' Day, the 
day our Nation sets aside to say ``thank you'' to those who have served 
in our Armed Forces. As a veteran of the Korean conflict, George earned 
our thanks. His service to country did not end, however, when George 
completed military service. Until his recent retirement, George was 
employed by the Virginia Department of Education, veterans education. 
In this capacity, he and his staff were responsible for ensuring that 
only education programs of the finest quality were approved for 
veterans using their GI bill benefits. Veteran students receive a 
superior education in the State of Virginia because of George 
McCullen's dedication to excellence and commitment to learning.
  I noted earlier that George was a strong ally. I first met him during 
the early days of the battle for the new GI bill. At that time, George 
was legislative director for the National Association of State 
Approving Agencies [NASAA], a position he held from 1983 to 1990. 
Although George worked in Richmond, he never hesitated to make the 
drive to Washington to participate in one of our many strategy 
sessions. His suggestions for action were always excellent, and his 
dedication was a major factor in our ultimate success--the 
implementation of the new GI bill on July 1, 1985. George 

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was determined that the fine young men and women who serve in our All 
Volunteer Forces should have the opportunity to earn educational 
assistance benefits, and his unwavering support and assistance were 
critical to our success.
  After enactment of the GI bill, George continued to share his good 
advice and wise counsel with me and my staff. He was instrumental in 
the passage of legislation making the GI bill permanent, measures 
improving other veterans' education programs, and legislation that 
protected SAA funding and established a superb training curriculum for 
SAA McCullen left behind an enviable legacy. His was a life of good 
works, and I feel honored to have known him. I want to extend my 
deepest sympathy to George's wife, children, and grandchildren.

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