[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S6731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN BURSON

 Mr. MILLER. Mr. President, in our formative years, many of us 
were exposed to the phrase ``you can do anything that you set your mind 
to.'' This cliche is symbolic of the optimism embodied in the American 
Dream. Across the width and breadth of this great land, we see 
countless examples of people who exemplify that spirit.
  Some of us live out that dream by finding success as teachers, others 
as doctors. Some of us find passion in the freedom of flight, while 
some of us thrive in the rigid structure of the military. Very few of 
us are able to test our limits and succeed in multiple areas. I stand 
before you to recognize one such person.
  Dr. John Burson is a shining example of what a human being is capable 
of if one has the will and the focus to reach for the stars. He has 
spend the last 25 years serving the citizens of Carroll County, GA, as 
an ear, nose, and throat specialist. All the time and effort required 
to become a practicing physician is a lot to ask of anyone, however it 
is merely the tip of the iceberg fo Dr. Burson.
  Before pursuing a career in medicine at the age of 37, Dr. Burson 
spent his time acquiring a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, as 
well as a Ph.D. in Engineering, from the Georgia Institute of 
Technology. Upon completing his doctorate, he continued to pass on his 
knowledge to others for several years as a professor at Georgia Tech. 
Dr. Burson obtained his post-graduate degrees and professorship while 
simultaneously serving as an officer and pilot in the Army Reserves, 
where Dr. Burson rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Only after 
achieving all of this, at the age of 37, with a wife and children, did 
John decide it was time to pursue a career in medicine.
  Twenty five years later, John has found a way to impress us all 
again. In a short time, he will be heading to a field hospital in Iraq 
to relieve an active duty physician for 3 months, allowing that 
physician 3 months back home with his or her family. While many his age 
are beginning to look towards quieter days, John Burson is once again 
serving his country, as well as providing a most precious gift to a 
person that he has never met.
  Orison Swett Marden, a famed Nineteenth Century thinker, stated that 
``the greatest thing a man can do in this world is to make the most 
possible out of the stuff that has been given to him. This is success 
and there is none other.'' Soldier. Scholar. Doctor. Husband. Father. I 
believe that Mr. Marden, were he still alive, would not hesitate to 
proclaim John Burson a successful man. People spend most of their lives 
attempting to do one thing well. Few and far between are the people who 
have the courage to try and determination to achieve success at all. 
Dr. John Burson is one of those few and I am proud to call him a fellow 
Georgian and a fellow American, and I thank him for his years of 
service to our country, to the State of Georgia, and to his 
community.

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