[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1432]]


     HONORING DOCTOR PAUL ERRERA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2001

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the many family, friends, and colleagues who gathered today to pay 
tribute to Doctor Paul Errera as he celebrates his retirement from 
service with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Dr. Errera began his forty-seven year career with the VA as a first 
year resident in psychiatry at the West Haven, Connecticut VA Medical 
Center. He later went on to serve as the Chief of Psychiatry for 
fifteen years. In addition to his work in Connecticut, Dr. Errera spent 
nearly a decade in Washington, D.C. as the national Director of 
Psychiatry and Psychological Services. In that role, he was charged 
with the oversight of 172 VA hospitals across the country. In a career 
that has spanned nearly half a century, Dr. Errera has demonstrated a 
unique commitment to our nation's veterans and the quality of care they 
receive.
  Throughout his tenure, Dr. Errera has been a visionary leader, 
stimulating fundamental change in the way mental health care is 
delivered. He has played an integral role in the development and 
implementation of innovative, community-based programs to meet the 
diverse mental health treatment needs of veterans. Dr. Errera's 
commitment and diligence has had a dramatic impact on the VA's 
treatment of its mentally ill patients--effectively changing the face 
of their approach and service to many of our nation's most vulnerable 
citizens.
  Dr. Errera attributes his dedication to the historic role the United 
States played in twice freeing his homeland of Belgium--believing that 
the citizens of Belgium owe a great debt to the brave men and women who 
liberated his native country. I have often spoke of our nation's need 
to provide the best possible care to our veterans. These are the men 
and women who fought for the freedoms and values we hold so dear. Dr. 
Errera, with his unparalleled record of service to the veterans of this 
country, has set a new standard for us all to strive to achieve.
  Dr. Errera, through his infinite good work has made a real difference 
in the lives of many US veterans and for that we owe him a great debt 
of gratitude. It is my great honor to rise today to extend my deepest 
thanks and appreciation to Dr. Paul Errera for his outstanding service 
at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and my very best 
wishes to him and his family for many more years of health and 
happiness.

                          ____________________