[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO STATE COMMANDER RONALD L. AMEND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. I wish today, Mr. Speaker, to pay tribute to State 
Commander Ronald L. Amend, for his many years of devoted service to his 
country in the United States Air Force and as a leader of the Veterans 
of Foreign Wars, Department of Michigan.
  As a life member of VFW Post 7486 in Fairgrove, Michigan, Ron has 
worked on behalf of veterans and their families since he first joined 
the organization after tours of duty with the Air Force in Vietnam and 
assignment at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Washington. His 
focused attention to duty and lead-by-example approach has provided 
greatly needed assistance to veterans throughout the state and helped 
to ensure that their sacrifices on and off the field of battle are 
honored by all citizens.
  Ron has always given a full measure of his time and talents in all 
his undertakings. He has earned a reputation for turning difficult 
missions into successful endeavors wherever he has gone. As an Air 
Force enlisted man, as a veterans' advocate, as a father and husband, 
as a 29-year employee of Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems and as a long-
time resident of Reese, Michigan, Ron has used his great skills to 
benefit others. While he has earned many awards and decorations during 
his military service and with the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
organization, Ron has always done his job without seeking glory or 
personal gain. His work stands as a model for all citizens now and in 
the future.
  Indeed, Ron's colleagues in the Veterans of Foreign Wars have long 
been aware of his significant contributions. He has held many positions 
with the organization, including Post Commander and becoming an All-
American District Commander.
  Like many success stories, Ron's many achievements have been the 
product of his own hard work coupled with the loving support of his 
wife of 27 years, Sandi, and his children, Ross and Kari. Ron is quick 
to recognize that he could never have accomplished all that he has done 
without their help.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing gratitude to State 
Commander Ronald L. Amend for his outstanding service and wish him 
continued success in safeguarding the future and attending to the needs 
of fellow veterans everywhere.

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