[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ROBERT J. DOLE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL AND REGIONAL 
                             OFFICE CENTER

  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Senator Bob Dole 
and to thank you for your support of H.R. 4608, naming the Department 
of Veterans Affairs medical and regional office center in Wichita, KS, 
as the Robert J. Dole Department of Veterans Affairs Medical and 
Regional Office Center.
  In the words of Senator Dole, ``Anyone who wants to understand me 
must first understand Russell, KS. It is my home, where my roots lie, 
and a constant source of strength. My father's view of the world as 
``stewers versus doers'' registered early. From my neighbors, I learned 
to feel deeply for God, country and family. In Russell, I came to 
understand there are things worth living for, and, if need be, dying 
for.
  The Russell of my youth was not a place of wealth. Yet it was 
generous with the values that would shape my outlook and the compassion 
that would restore life's richness after I had begun to doubt my future 
following the war. Ever since, I have tried in my own way to give back 
some of what the town has given me. I have tried to defend and serve 
the America I learned to love in Russell.''
  That quote shows Senator Dole's dedication, passion, and love for 
Kansas and the United States. It only begins to vocalize the 
relationship he has had with the people of Kansas. Although many of my 
colleagues know and served with Senator Dole, I want to briefly recount 
his distinguished record of military and public service.
  Bob Dole's heroism during WWII earned him two purple hearts and the 
Bronze Star Medal. While serving our country in the 10th Mountain 
Division in Italy, he was wounded trying to save a downed radioman. 
Injured badly and left for dead, Bob Dole survived nine long hours on 
that battle field paralyzed from the neck down and with a shattered 
shoulder. After spending time in a field hospital, he was transported 
back to a military hospital in the United States where he underwent 
nine surgeries over 3 years. It is a testament to Bob Dole's strength 
and character that he has overcome unbelievable obstacles.
  As a, Russell County Attorney, Kansas State Legislator, U.S. 
Congressman, Senator, longest serving Senate Majority Leader and 
candidate for president, Bob Dole has tirelessly served the people of 
Kansas and this country. As a statesman, Senator Dole was always 
available. He listened and learned from Kansans whose concerns were as 
diverse as Kansas itself, economic development needs of our State's 
urban areas, support for disabled Americans, assistance for 
agricultural producers, and benefits for our veterans.
  After leaving elected office, Bob Dole has kept giving of himself. In 
1997, he agreed to serve as chair for the National World War II 
Memorial. He has since raised awareness and money to build a national 
monument in support of those who fought for our country during WWII.
  Republicans, Democrats, politicians, farmers, veterans, and business 
owners know and respect the extraordinary statesman from Russell, KS, 
who still to this day has the receipts from the people of his hometown 
who helped pay for his medical bills after the war. He is a man of 
humility, leadership, courage, and pride. I am honored to know this 
man.
  The State of Kansas, the Wichita VA, the veteran service 
organizations represented in Kansas, and I are proud to name the 
Wichita VA after this deserving figure. The Wichita VA should and will 
be a lasting and fitting tribute to the man from Kansas. Once again, I 
thank my colleagues for their support of H.R. 4608.

                          ____________________