[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 69 (Monday, May 23, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      THE PASSING OF GEORGE POOLE

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I have sought recognition to comment 
on the passing of a dedicated, 28-year employee of the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Insurance Center, Mr. George Poole. Until his untimely 
death, Mr. Poole served within the VA Insurance Service, widely 
regarded as a model of efficiency and service excellence within the 
Federal Government.
  We in the Congress spent a considerable amount of time on the 
supplemental appropriations bill debating enhancements to insurance 
benefits for our servicemembers fighting abroad. We were successful in 
not only increasing the amount of life insurance benefits available for 
servicemembers, but also creating a new traumatic injury insurance 
benefit for those severely disabled. Without the assistance of public 
servants like George, who provide the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and 
the Congress, with invaluable technical assistance on all legislation 
affecting insurance benefits, our job would be very difficult.
  George began his life-long dedication to public service while serving 
honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 through 1968. Subsequent to 
his service, he then received a bachelor's degree and a law degree, 
taking full advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs-
administered GI bill. There is little doubt that his time in the 
military service of his country, and his subsequent studies under the 
GI bill, inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping his 
fellow veterans. This dedication to fellow veterans translated into a 
long and distinguished 28-year career with the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs where he served his Nation from 1977 until his death.
  His long career with the Department of Veterans Affairs was entirely 
within the Insurance Service where he served in an impressive litany of 
capacities. Starting as a claims examiner in the death claims activity, 
he worked his way up through numerous management level positions 
including section chief, division chief and finally culminating his 
distinguished career as chief, program administration, a senior 
management position. In this, the final step in his career ladder, he 
was responsible for a variety of duties, not the least of which was 
composing legislative initiatives concerning servicemembers' and 
veterans' group life insurance programs. This insurance coverage is 
intended for members of this Nation's Active-Duty military and Reserve 
components, as well as veterans recently released from Active service, 
who are in, or recently were in, harm's way defending the United 
States. The importance of assuring that all members of the military, 
veterans, and their families are properly provided for in their time of 
need goes without question. Therefore, George's work will undoubtedly 
have a lasting effect on the families of thousands.
  I would like to extend my sincere appreciation on behalf of a 
grateful Nation to the Poole family for George's dedicated service to 
this Nation's veterans. I also extend my heartfelt sympathies to the 
Poole family during their time of sorrow.

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