[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO GERALD C. BRAUN, ED. D.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN BOOZMAN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the late Gerald 
``Jerry'' Braun who passed away on July 7, 2006, at his home in 
Maryland.
  Over the last 3 years Dr. Braun has served with distinction as the 
Deputy Director for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment at the 
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He was a consummate professional 
with unquestioned integrity, who consistently met or exceeded the goals 
of the vocational rehabitation and employment program.
  I first had the privilege of meeting Dr. Braun when he testified 
before the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity at the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs, which I Chair. I always found him to be an honest, 
sincere witness who possessed a great knowledge of veterans programs 
and always exhibited the utmost concern for the veterans enrolled in 
vocational rehabilitation and employment. He was the VA's institutional 
memory on the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and his contributions 
will truly be missed.
  Dr. Braun began serving our Nation's veterans in 1972 as a vocational 
rehabilitation specialist for the blind and visually impaired in St. 
Paul, MN. He later worked for VA facilities in Chicago and Reno as a 
counseling psychologist and in Indianapolis as the vocational 
rehabilitation and employment officer, before finally coming to 
Washington to serve in the Department's Central Office In addition to 
his service as a VA counselor, Dr. Braun was a member of the American 
Legion and the National Rehabilitation Association. He earned 
Certificates of Appreciation from Vice President Gore, from the Greater 
Sierra Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for Lifetime 
Contribution, and from the State of Nevada Governor for his 
contributions to the Governor's Committee of Employment of People with 
Disabilities.
  Dr. Braun was born in Red Wing, MN and graduated from St. Cloud 
Minnesota State University in 1968 with a degree in Sociology. Upon 
graduation, he joined the Army and served his country from October 1968 
to May 1970. His service included a thirteen month tour of duty in 
Vietnam. Upon returning, Dr. Braun earned both a master's degree in 
rehabilitation counseling and a doctorate of education in counseling 
and guidance.
  Dr. Braun is survived by his wife, Debora and his four children, 
Eric, Kirsten, Rebecca, and Joanna. His family and friends will 
remember him for his intelligence, wisdom, sense of humor, and generous 
heart. To his wife and children, we are thankful for his 35 years of 
service to the Nation, especially to its veterans and to each of them 
for the support they gave him during what was a rewarding life

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