[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 3, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8078-S8079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE HONORABLE JESSE BROWN

  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I was deeply saddened to learn of the 
untimely death of Jesse Brown on August 15, 2002. I was aware of 
Jesse's struggle with Lou Gehrig's disease, and know that friends, 
veterans and government officials across the Nation had Jesse and his 
family in their thoughts and prayers.
  Jesse was an individual for whom I had the highest regard. He was 
truly a

[[Page S8079]]

distinguished American who not only made considerable sacrifices for 
his country as a Marine in Vietnam, but continued to serve our country, 
especially the veterans of our Nation through his service as Executive 
Director of the Disabled American Veterans and later as Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs for 5 years in the cabinet of President Clinton.
  It was during his tenure as VA Secretary that I worked more closely 
with Jesse and had the opportunity to learn of his commitment to our 
nation's veterans particularly to improve the medical care services to 
veterans. During a visit to the community of Grafton, ND for the 
dedication of an outpatient clinic, I had the opportunity to see first 
hand Jesse's concern and compassion for our veterans and their 
families. I was particularly impressed with his commitment to make 
certain that our veterans living in the rural and more remote areas of 
our country had the resources and access to the best VA medical care 
possible.
  Jesse Brown represents the very best of America, he was a U.S. Marine 
with a distinguished service record in Vietnam, a disabled veteran, a 
devoted family member, a distinguished public servant, and an 
individual that represented the very best qualities and character in 
America. He is a role model for the coming generations and for us all. 
I hope our younger Americans will have an opportunity to know Jesse 
over time, to learn of his sacrifices and accomplishments on behalf of 
all Americans. Jesse deserves our highest respect and admiration.
  My prayers and thoughts are with the Brown family members at this 
time.

                          ____________________