[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 103 (Monday, July 31, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S8422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ROGER ANDAL

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to my very close 
friend, Roger Andal. Last month, Roger died following a long battle 
with Crohn's disease. His passing is a tremendous loss to our veterans, 
as well as a personal loss for my family and me. His friendship will be 
terribly missed.
  Roger began his extraordinary service to our country as a combat 
medic with the Army's Fourth Infantry Division during the war in 
Vietnam. It was Roger's duty to help his fallen comrades and tend to 
their wounds, and it was a responsibility that came naturally to him.
  He braved enemy fire to ensure the injured were safely evacuated from 
the battlefield. Roger often did so with little regard to his own 
personal safety and was ultimately wounded in battle.
  He received the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Campaign 
Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal for his service to his country. 
But for Roger what mattered most were not the commendations, but the 
knowledge that he had helped his fellow soldiers.
  After returning stateside, Roger dedicated himself to working on 
behalf of our Nation's veterans. For the next 30 years, he was active 
in various veterans' causes, and at the time of his death he was 
completing his service as the South Dakota commander of the Disabled 
American Veterans.
  The creed of the Disabled American Veterans is ``building better 
lives for America's disabled veterans and their families.'' I think 
it's profoundly true to say Roger personified these words and made them 
his life's mission.
  As a former Army medic, Roger understood both the physical and 
emotional wounds of war. Some soldiers survive the harrows of battle, 
only to suffer severe injuries including brain trauma and amputated 
limbs. These veterans required lifelong medical treatment, and Roger 
was adamant that they receive it.
  Roger also recognized that some wounds heal long after the battle is 
over, if at all. That is why he consistently called upon his 
congressional Representatives to increase funding for posttraumatic 
stress disorder initiatives.
  Roger fought to make sure homeless veterans were sheltered. He worked 
to make sure that soldiers returning from war were transitioned back to 
society with as much ease as possible. But the issue most identified 
with Roger was mandatory funding.
  I have introduced mandatory funding legislation in each of the past 
three Congresses, and Roger was the bill's most tireless and dedicated 
champion. If it were possible to pass mandatory funding based on 
Roger's passion and commitment, enacting this legislation into law 
would have happened long ago.
  Mandatory funding is long overdue, and in honor of Roger, I believe 
we must redouble our efforts to ensure the VA health care program has 
guaranteed funding adequate to provide veterans' health care each and 
every year.
  For over three decades Roger never shied away from a fight. He was 
motivated by his sincere belief that if you make a promise to the men 
and women placed in harm's way, then you have a responsibility to honor 
those commitments when they return.
  But what Roger valued most was honesty. He was a straight-shooter, 
and it was one of his most endearing personality traits. If you asked 
Roger a question, he would give you a straight answer--and he expected 
one in return.
  It speaks volumes about Roger's character that his peers continually 
elected him to leadership positions within the Disabled American 
Veterans. In addition to holding every elected position in the Sioux 
Falls chapter of the DAV, Roger served twice as the State commander, 
and represented South Dakota on the executive national committee.
  On a personal note, Roger had a close working relationship with my 
staff and in particular with my Chief of Staff, Drey Samuelson. He was 
an invaluable resource and often provided insight on legislation and 
veterans' benefits programs. Despite occasional legislative setbacks, 
Roger always kept a positive outlook on the process.
  In the days following Roger's death some veterans have expressed how 
much more difficult the fight will be without Roger to lead the charge. 
Without question, Roger's voice will be missed. But we should remember 
that the best way to honor Roger's life is to fight wholeheartedly for 
the causes he championed.
  Mr. President, my thoughts are with Roger's wife Peggy and their two 
children during this difficult time. Roger left us much too soon, but 
his commitment to our veterans and his service to the public and to our 
Nation will continue to inspire us all.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. I rise to speak on S. 3711. My understanding is, 
through a unanimous consent agreement, I am permitted to speak for 10 
minutes on the bill.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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