[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 29, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF MR. S. W. ``MEL'' MELIDOSIAN

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, today Mr. S.W. ``Mel'' Melidosian 
is being recognized for his distinguished service in the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Regional Office and Insurance Center in Philadelphia, 
the place where much of his illustrious career has taken place. After 
an astounding 57 years of devoted service to our nation, this 
remarkable man continues to serve veterans and their families. I am 
certain that this august body will join me in commending Mr. Melidosian 
on this special day.
  Mr. Melidosian's service began in the Armed Services during World War 
II. From 1941 to 1946, he served as a U.S. Army Ordinance Management 
Officer at the European Theater Headquarters and on the faculty of the 
Ordnance School. From 1951 to 1953, he served at the U.S. Army 
Logistics Command, Korea and at the U.S. Army Frankford Arsenal.
  He began serving veterans at the Veterans Administration (now the 
Department of Veterans Affairs) in 1946 in the Insurance Service but 
was recalled to active duty in Korea. In 1953, he resumed his VA job 
and in 1959, he was appointed Deputy Chief Insurance Director. From 
1961 to 1984, he served as Director of the VA Regional Office and 
Insurance Center in Philadelphia, where he was instrumental in the 
installation of VA's first computer system for the Life Insurance 
Programs; consolidation of VA Regional Offices and Insurance Offices; 
creation of the Executive Program ``Leadership VA''; and test site 
development of the VA Compensation & Pension on-line computer system 
``TARGET.''
  Mr. Melidosian has received many awards, including the Presidential 
Rank Award of ``Distinguished Executive.'' He has been continually 
active in the government and the community as a lecturer and chairman 
or member of numerous boards and commissions.
  I extend my best wishes to Mr. Melidosian for his service to our 
Nation's veterans and for his continued health.

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