[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 49 (Friday, April 26, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E634-E635]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO DENNIS LARSON, DETACHMENT COMMANDER OF THE SONS OF THE 
               AMERICAN LEGION FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2002

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Dennis Larson, a resident 
of Iron Mountain, Michigan, a community in my congressional district. 
Dennis is currently serving as Detachment Commander for the State of 
Michigan for the Sons of The American Legion.
  As you know, Mr. Speaker, the Sons of The American Legion are the 
male descendants of veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean 
War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama or the Persian Gulf War. 
Like the American Legion, S. A. L. members work to foster patriotism, a 
sense of commitment to the community, and an appreciation of the 
sacrifice of America's veterans. I myself am a member of Squadron #50, 
where Dennis served as commander, adjutant and finance officer. Like 
myself, Dennis is also a former law enforcement officer.
  In his veterans' work Dennis has established a track record of 
leadership, concern, foresight and involvement. He has continued to 
work to charter new squadrons across northern Michigan, a remarkable 
testimonial to his leadership in the context of declining memberships 
in clubs and organizations across much of the nation.
  In his writings in Legion publications--and also in his speeches, 
which Dennis gives impromptu and from the heart--he has sought to 
strike those themes that are especially important since September 11--
that in this war against terrorism we as a nation will stand strong and 
united. We must never forget those who fought in earlier struggles. 
Dennis' work on behalf of veterans at the veterans' medical facility in 
Iron Mountain is another testament to his dedication to these men and 
women who have served their nation so well.
  In an effort to promote a sense of national participation and 
solidarity, Dennis is also a strong supporter of the Blue Star Banner 
program. The Blue Star Banner is displayed in the window of families 
who have a loved one serving on active duty in the armed forces. 
Because these banners remind friends, neighbors and relatives of those 
in service, the goal of uniting the community behind our Armed Forces 
is once again served.
  Showing one's pride in having a family member in the military service 
comes naturally to Dennis, who is eligible for membership in the S. A. 
L. through the service of his father, Ernst Larson Sr., a World War II 
veteran, ex-POW and Purple Heart recipient. In addition, Dennis and his 
wife Barbara have three Blue Star Banners hanging in their window. Of 
the five children they have together, four have military ties--Todd is 
a staff sergeant in the Air Force, Tim and Danny are on active duty in 
the Navy, and Andy is a former Navy man. One daughter, Stephanie, is 
married and lives in North Carolina.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to have the opportunity last June to second 
the nomination of Dennis Larson as Detachment Commander for the State 
of Michigan. Now his one-year tour of service nears completion, and 
Dennis will

[[Page E635]]

be honored at a testimonial dinner by his home squadron, Uren Cooper 
Johnson Squadron #50, on Saturday, April 27. I ask you and our House 
colleagues to Join me in thanking this dedicated and hard-working 
spokesman for veterans for a job well done.

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