[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 109 (Tuesday, September 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MR. CHARLES STRANG

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HENRY E. BROWN, JR.

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Mr. Charles ``Chuck'' Strang, who on September 29, 2004, will mark 
20 years of service with the Servicemembers' and Veterans' Group Life 
Insurance programs. Chuck is the director of the Office of 
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), the office established by 
the Prudential Insurance Company of America to administer VA's 
Servicemembers' and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs (SGLI and 
VGLI).
  Following the example set by his family's military service, Chuck 
served in the U.S. Army from 1966 through 1969. Trained as a 
Communication Center Specialist, he spent his entire military career in 
Nuremburg, Germany. In 1982, he earned an Associate's Degree in 
Occupational Studies with a major in Life and Health Insurance from The 
College of Insurance in New York City.
  Chuck's distinguished career with OSGLI began on September 24, 1984, 
as the manager of New Business and Insurance Services. Through various 
managerial positions, he became a recognized authority on the many 
details of veterans' insurance programs, and was promoted to Director 
in 1993.
  Chuck's accomplishments at OSGLI are many. Some noteworthy program 
enhancements he has overseen include: an increase in servicemembers' 
insurance coverage from $35,000 to $250,000; the addition of insurance 
coverage for family members; reductions in premiums for each of the 
veterans' insurance programs; and allowing terminally ill insureds to 
receive up to 50 percent of their Servicemembers' or Veterans Group 
Life Insurance coverage in a lump sum.
  Through nationwide toll-free telephone service, Internet access to 
personal accounts, design and installation of updated computer systems, 
and imaging capabilities, Chuck has instituted changes that have 
improved service to policyholders and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, I have spent all my life in the business world and it is 
evident to me that owing to Chuck Strang and the Office of 
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, VA's SGLI and VGLI insurance 
programs are two of the best-managed in the government. I am pleased to 
pay tribute to Chuck's professionalism and dedication to our Nation's 
servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

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