[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      DISABLED VETERAN OF THE YEAR

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, today I pay tribute to Thomas 
E. Bratten, Jr., the National Disabled American Veterans, DAV, Veteran 
of the Year. Captain Bratten has distinguished himself as a champion 
for veterans and the disabled throughout his career as a public servant 
and in his volunteer contributions to the community. Captain Bratten's 
dedication continues today through his service as the Secretary of 
Maryland's Department of Veterans Affairs.
  As an Army artillery liaison officer in the Americal Division, the 
famous 1st Battalion 6th Infantry, Secretary Bratten served under 
Colonel Norman Schwarzkopf. They were serving together on May 28, 1970, 
when Secretary Bratten lost both his left arm and leg when a land mine 
exploded while they attempted to aid wounded soldiers. But that didn't 
prevent Secretary Bratten from continuing to serve his country.
  Secretary Bratten has improved his nation and community through an 
impressive number of volunteer appointments. He served on the Garrett 
County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Governor's Commission for 
Employment of the Handicapped, the Governor's Commission to Study the 
Needs of the Handicapped, the Maryland World War II Memorial 
Commission, the Maryland Military Monument Commission, and the Maryland 
Veterans Memorial Commission.
  As one of Maryland's most highly decorated veterans, Secretary 
Bratten boasts life membership in nine congressionally chartered 
veterans organizations, including the Military Order of Foreign Wars, 
the Americal Veterans Association and the distinguished Military Order 
of the Purple Heart. He has served as the Director of the Maryland 
Veterans Commission, is a member of the National Association of State 
Directors of Veterans Affairs, and has sat on countless other 
committees dedicated to improving the lives of America's veterans.
  I am so proud of Tom. His record of service in America's military and 
in Maryland civic life as an advocate for veterans and the disabled are 
unique and unparalleled. He is the best example of what Marylanders can 
accomplish when they dedicate themselves to their communities, state, 
and country, no matter what the circumstances. He has served America 
with honor. I congratulate Tom as he continues to bear the mantle of 
leadership and service as the DAV's veteran of the year.

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