[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JESSE BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor a man of great integrity and virtue, Mr. Jesse Brown, the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
  On January 22, 1993, our Government gained the dedication and hard 
work of a great leader when Jesse Brown began his position as Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs. Secretary Brown directed the Government's second 
largest Federal department, responsible for the distribution of 
benefits to those who took up arms in defense of our country.
  He received his educational degrees from Chicago City College where 
he was an honors graduate, Roosevelt University, and Catholic 
University. In 1965 while serving as a member of the Marine Corps, he 
was wounded on a patrol mission in Vietnam. Shortly after he returned, 
he was elected the executive director of the Disabled American Veterans 
Association. Today, Secretary Brown is a member of several 
organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, 
Jewish War Veterans, and many others, all which seek to fulfill the 
same purpose, providing for those that risked their lives to uphold 
democracy.
  Under Secretary Brown's leadership, the benefits for veterans whom 
were prisoners of war has expanded. Secretary Brown also initiated the 
research on the causes of the mysterious Persian Gulf war illness. 
Adding to his accomplishments he hosted the first national summit for 
homeless veterans and established grants for those whom volunteer to 
house homeless veterans. In addition, under the leadership of Mr. 
Brown, the military healthcare system has expanded to fully cover the 
needs of our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that all of my colleagues salute Mr. Jesse Brown 
for his dedication over the last 5 years to the enrichment of the 
Veterans' Affairs Department and his service to all veterans in the 
United States.

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