[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 20, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO COL. ROBERT LEARY

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to Col. Robert Francis Leary, who died on 
April 27 at his home in Concord, MA.
  Colonel Leary served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, retiring in 1987. 
His tours of duty included positions as executive officer of the 373rd 
General Hospital, and chief of staff of the 804th Medical Brigade, 
coordinating the medical readiness of Army Medical Units in the United 
States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. He also served as commandant 
at Fort Devens, MA, successfully conducting this course the first time 
it was exported outside of Fort Sam Houston, TX. Colonel Leary was the 
recipient of numerous military awards for distinguished service, 
including Meritorious Service Medals, the U.S. Army Commendation Medal, 
and the Legion of Merit.
  Colonel Leary also had a distinguished civilian career. He was 
employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bedford, MA as 
coordinator and supervisor in the Social Work Service Department. Most 
recently, he was program manager of the Veterans Homestead transitional 
housing program in Leominster, MA. In addition, he served as an equal 
employment opportunity Officer at Veteran Affairs Central Office in 
Washington, DC, and in several capacities in private practice as a 
licensed independent clinical social worker.
  Colonel Leary shared his many wide-ranging interests with his family 
and friends including politics, travel, golf, hockey, baseball, and 
soccer. He was constantly involved in youth sport activities and was 
his children's most avid fan. To all who knew him, he was a model 
citizen and family member. His patriotism and commitment to service are 
an example to us all, and I am honored to pay tribute to him today.

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