[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSEPH J. FRANK

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, today I congratulate my fellow 
Missourian, Joseph J. Frank, on his election as national commander of 
the American Legion, at the 78th national convention, on September 5, 
1996.
  I am very proud that the Legion, the Nation's largest veterans' 
organization, comprised of over 3 million members, will be represented 
by an individual with the kind of dedication, integrity, and commitment 
that has been Mr. Frank's hallmark.
  My State is proud of our military heritage, and we revere native 
military leaders such as John J. Pershing, the first six star general 
since George Washington. Joe Frank, born and raised in St. Louis 
County, MO, has achieved another first: he's the first Missourian and 
first Vietnam veteran to command the American Legion. I am sure both of 
these firsts will bring new insights and perspectives to the post.
  Mr. Frank served in Vietnam in 1968. He was wounded severely and 
continues to cope each day with the paralysis which resulted, but these 
wounds have not dampened his patriotism or his commitment to serving 
his fellow Americans. Immediately after recovering from the wounds he 
sustained in Vietnam, Mr. Frank founded the Crestwood Memorial American 
Legion Post 777, now the Joseph L. Frank Memorial Post 777, renamed in 
memory of his father. Since founding the post, Mr. Frank has gone on to 
serve as post commander, district commander, and state commander. He 
has also held several previous leadership positions on the national 
level, including national vice commander, chairman of the national 
economic commission, and chairman of the foreign relations commission.
  But Joe Frank's service radiates well beyond the American Legion. He 
has dedicated himself to helping individuals with disabilities through 
his positions on the Executive Board of the President's Committee on 
Employment of People With Disabilities, and the Missouri Governor's 
Council on Disability. Mr. Frank has also been recognized by the White 
House for his service to the Selective Service System.
  I am confident, Mr. President, that Joe Frank, from my own great 
State of Missouri, will serve his fellow veterans with dignity, vigor, 
and direction. He already has set forth part of his agenda, by 
identifying three priorities: increasing membership, protecting the 
U.S. flag from desecration, and improving and expanding health care to 
our veterans. Because of my own involvement in the area of veterans 
health care through my chairmanship of the Senate appropriations 
subcommittee with jurisdiction over veterans programs, I am especially 
delighted to recognize Mr. Frank's leadership in this area.
  It is my honor to join with Mr. Frank's wife, Barbara, his family, 
many friends, and especially his fellow American Legion members in 
saluting Joseph J. Frank for providing inspiration and a source of 
pride for veterans, Missourians, and for all Americans.

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