[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 137 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H10898]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO JEFF OLSEN ON OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AS MINNESOTA 
                    COMMISSIONER OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

  (Mr. KLINE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Jeff Olsen, on the 
occasion of his retirement.
  Jeff Olsen was appointed Commissioner of Veterans Affairs by Governor 
Ventura in January 2001 and has continued to serve the veterans 
community proudly. Throughout the past 4 years, Jeff has been a 
tireless advocate and representative for Minnesota's 450,000 veterans. 
By working closely with groups such as the Veterans Service 
Organizations of Minnesota and the Minnesota Association of County 
Veterans Service Officers, Jeff has remained constantly in touch with 
the issues of concern to the men and women he represents.
  No stranger to those issues himself, Jeff began his career as a 
member of the United States Army, attached to the United States Armed 
Forces Courier Service, a joint services mission responsible for the 
preparation and transportation of top-secret materials throughout the 
world. This experience has continued to inspire Jeff and motivate him 
to serve his fellow veterans with honor and respect.
  Jeff's dedication to the veterans community will continue to shine 
through the legacy of his accomplishments. Thank you, Jeff, for the 
example you have set. Your fellow veterans will miss you. We wish you 
the best in your next chapter of life.

                          ____________________