[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 42 (Thursday, April 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL DOBMEIER

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Michael Dobmeier and to recognize him as a member of a distinguished 
group of North Dakotans who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership 
in their military careers and civilian life.
  Michael was recently elected National Commander of the million-member 
Disabled American Veterans, a group with a historic tradition of 
advocating responsible legislation to assist disabled veterans, their 
families and survivors. Speaking of the DAV recently Michael said, ``I 
soon discovered the critical role the DAV serves in the lives of 
disabled veterans and their families in my community and communities 
nationwide.'' I wholeheartedly agree with this statement and attest to 
the fact that Michael has exemplified through his many significant 
achievements the great importance of the Disabled American Veterans.
  Michael Dobmeier is a native of Grand Forks, North Dakota. After 
graduating from high-school, he enlisted in the navy in 1969. Following 
boot camp in San Diego, he trained as an engine man in Great Lakes, IL, 
attended Submarine School in New London, CT, and, later, Diver's School 
in San Diego.
  While serving off the coast of Washington in April 1972 aboard the 
USS Trigger, Michael was severely burned when an engine crankcase oil 
heater exploded. It sprayed him with flaming oil and caused him 2nd and 
3rd degree burns over more than 30 percent of his body.
  Following this accident, Michael received a military discharge and 
joined the Grand Forks' Disabled American Veterans Chapter 2. Since 
then, he has held almost every local, state, and national leadership 
position in the organization and has held all chapter and department 
leadership positions. At the 1994 DAV National Convention, Michael was 
chosen to serve on the National Executive and Finance Committee, was 
elected 4th and 3rd Junior Vice Commander consecutively at the 1995 and 
1996 DAV National Conventions, and at the 1997 National Convention was 
elected 1st Junior Vice Commander. In 1998, Michael was elected Senior 
Vice Commander at the National Convention in Las Vegas, NV. He was also 
the president of the North Dakota Veterans Home Foundation and was 
chosen the 1985 DAV Outstanding Member of the Department of North 
Dakota.
  Michael Dobmeier resides in Grand Forks with his wife Sandra Jo and 
their two children. As owner and President of Dobmeier, Inc., an 
independent insurance company, Michael has also found success in the 
business world.
  I am proud to honor Michael Dobmeier as a person who has served his 
country with distinction and accepted the challenges and risks 
associated with this service. As Michael recently stated, ``Taking 
risks means moving forward while others are waiting for better times, 
while others are waiting for proven results, and while others are 
waiting for applause for their past performance. The greatest risk of 
all, however, is to take no risks * * * make no changes.'' We thank Mr. 
Dobmeier today for taking those risks. The world is truly a better 
place because of him.

                          ____________________