[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 17, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN HEMPEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2004

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication and 
years of hard work by Mr. John Hempel as he retires after more than 
thirty years of service to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Mr. Hempel was appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as the 
Director of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) in Las 
Vegas on January 14, 2001. As Director, Mr. Hempel directed the 
planning, organization, coordination, and control of patient care, 
administrative, and support operations. He was also responsible for 
maintaining and improving the healthcare system and VA relationships in 
the community.
  In addition to years of service to the VA, Mr. Hempel also bravely 
served his country as a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran. He served as a 
platoon leader and executive officer with A Troop, 1st Armored Cavalry, 
Americal Division in South Vietnam from 1969-1970.
  During his service in the Las Vegas area, Mr. Hempel was the driving 
force behind significant improvements in the VA health care system. As 
a long-time supporter of veterans in Nevada, it was a pleasure for me 
to work with Mr. Hempel serving veterans in Southern Nevada.
  I am honored to join with all Nevadans in honoring John Hempel on his 
many accomplishments and wish him well in his retirement.

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