[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 103 (Monday, July 23, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING AND CONGRATULATING DOUG STERNER ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN 
              OF COLORADO STATE BOARD OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, without the courage, patriotism, and self-
sacrifice of United States veterans, past and present, we as citizens 
would not enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted. I would like 
to thank a true hero, Doug Sterner, for his commitment to help honor 
those men and women who have brought honor, freedom, and glory to our 
Nation. Doug was recently appointed as the new Chairman for the 
Colorado State Board of Veterans Affairs. A Vietnam War veteran and co-
founder of the Home of Heroes campaign in Pueblo, Doug is certainly the 
right man for the post. I would like to congratulate him, and to thank 
him for his continued dedication toward bringing services and 
recognition to America's heroes.
  As Doug begins his new role, he will help direct a new grant program 
that allows veterans access to direct services. For instance, the 
program will help provide transportation so that veterans can take 
advantage of needed services. In addition, he plans on developing a 
statewide Operation Recognition Program that will help allow World War 
II veterans who did not finish high school to go back and receive an 
honorary diploma. Dennis Darrow, of The Pueblo Chieftain, recounts Doug 
as explaining, ``the program brings more patriotic education into 
schools while honoring World War II veterans and other military 
personnel.''
  In addition, Doug has started a series of school assemblies in the 
Pueblo area, which feature Medal of Honor recipients. He has also 
established the website HomeOfHeroes.com, which details veterans' 
stories, provides free booklets and videos, and allows kids to interact 
through quizzes and games. This elaborate website provides a wealth of 
information for children and adults, and has been recognized by The 
Pueblo Chieftain as ``The nation's leading Web site for information 
about patriotism.'' Mr. Speaker, I was involved in some of the 
ceremonies recognizing Medal of Honor recipients as part of the Home of 
Heroes campaign. I can say from personal experience that Doug Sterner 
devoted much of himself to see the Home of Heroes project through, and 
in doing so brought a tremendous amount of needed attention to the 
sacrifices made on our behalf by Medal of Honor recipients from Pueblo 
and everywhere else for this Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, Doug Sterner exemplifies patriotism and deserves the 
praise and admiration of this body. His appointment as Colorado State 
Board of Veterans Affairs Chairman reflects the huge strides he has 
made in providing education, support, and recognition for those who 
fought for our fundamental rights. I would like to thank him on behalf 
of Congress for his extensive work with our Nation's veterans.

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