[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHARLES ``CHUCK'' FULKERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles W. ``Chuck'' 
Fulkerson, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, who will retire from the 
position of Executive Director of the Nevada Office of Veterans' 
Services, effective March 31, 2006.
  Born in Idaho, he graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 
1958, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. As a Distinguished 
Military Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corp, he was 
commissioned as second lieutenant infantry in 1958. Chuck served in a 
wide variety of assignments in the U.S. Army until his retirement from 
military service in 1991. His active duty military career includes two 
combat tours in Vietnam as an Infantry Officer, assignments in Europe 
and a tour as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the 
University of Nevada, Reno. After leaving active service, Chuck served 
with the Nevada Military Department. He was appointed by Governor 
Robert List as the Director of the State Selective Service from 1979 to 
1985. Recalled to active duty by Governor Richard Bryan in 1985, Chuck 
concluded his military career as the United States Property and Fiscal 
Officer for the Nevada National Guard. He is a graduate of the National 
Defense University and his military decorations include the Legion of 
Merit, the Bronze Star Medal the Air Medal, the coveted Combat Infantry 
Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with the Gold Star.
  Under Chuck's leadership, the Nevada Office of Veterans Services 
realized significant achievements benefiting Nevada's veterans and 
their families. The State's Veterans Service Officer staff doubled in 
size, making it possible for more Nevada veterans to receive their VA 
benefits and recognition for their service than ever before. His 
leadership was also instrumental in securing $9 million for the 
expansion of the State's two veterans' cemeteries; the Northern Nevada 
Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley and the Southern Nevada Veterans 
Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. Chuck's efforts made possible 
additional burial plots, columbariums, and new maintenance and 
administration buildings, greatly increasing the Cemeteries' ability to 
properly honor those who served. Additionally, the State's Guardianship 
Program was expanded under his leadership, affording care to many more 
indigent veterans residing in the State of Nevada than ever before.
  Of his many achievements during his tenure as the Executive Director 
of the Nevada Office of Veterans Service, Chuck is most proud of his 
efforts to bring skilled nursing services to Nevada veterans in need of 
long term care through the construction of the Nevada State Veterans 
Home in Boulder City. Prior to the opening of the State's Veterans 
Home, Nevada was one of very few states in the U.S. that did not have a 
state veterans home to care for veterans in need of 24-hour skilled 
nursing care. Chuck's leadership not only dramatically increased the 
State's offerings to Nevada veterans, but created a road map for future 
increases in services for veterans.
  Chuck has been actively involved in veterans' issues throughout his 
career. He is a founder and officer of the Veterans Hospital Foundation 
in Reno and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled 
American Veterans, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the U.S. Army 
Retired Officers Association. Active in the community, Chuck belongs to 
the Reno Sunrise Rotary Club where he has been designated a Paul Harris 
Fellow. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Nevada Area 
council of the Boy Scouts of America and is a guest lecturer at the UNR 
and UNLV military departments. Chuck is married to Mary Lee Metzker and 
has three children and five grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Chuck Fulkerson on the floor 
of the House. He is a fine American and a true hero to those who have 
had the honor of knowing and serving with him. He has an unwavering 
spirit for the veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. I wish him 
the best in retirement.

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