[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E27]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RICHARD SILVER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2004

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Silver, a 
public servant who has dedicated his life to caring for and comforting 
our country's veterans.
  Dick Silver has worked in various capacities for the U.S. Department 
of Veterans' Affairs for more than fifty years. During that time, he 
has served as the director, assistant director, administrator, and 
personnel services officer at VA hospitals in Massachusetts, Washington 
D.C., New Jersey, North Carolina, and eventually, in Florida.
  Dick was appointed Director of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center 
in Tampa, which is near my congressional district, in 1979. The 
hospital, and its associated outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and 
domiciliaries, serves many of my constituents and has grown 
dramatically during his tenure. He has guided the hospital through 
trying times with humor, grace, and an abiding respect for the men and 
women who seek care at his facilities.
  I worked closely with Dick over the past decade to build a spinal 
cord injury unit at the Tampa VA. Dick's guidance, wisdom, and 
knowledge were instrumental in helping me secure the necessary Federal 
funding for the project. He oversaw construction of the unit which, in 
the words of VA Secretary Principi, provides the best care in the 
country for veterans with spinal cord injuries and dysfunction.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to know and have worked closely with 
Richard Silver for so many years. His leadership, dedication, and 
professionalism have been an asset to me, our country, and those for 
whom he and his staff care.

                          ____________________