[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S11489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RETIRING U.S. ATTORNEY CHARLES LARSON, SR.

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to 
offer my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to retiring U.S. 
Attorney Charles ``Chuck'' Larson, Sr. While I could easily just focus 
on all Chuck has done in his years as the dedicated U.S. attorney for 
the Northern District of Iowa, this man has given so much more in over 
40 years of Government service.
  When his country has called, Chuck has been there. He served in the 
U.S. Army and Army Reserves for 40 years, retiring as a lieutenent 
colonel in 1989. Four U.S. Presidents have called on Chuck to serve in 
various capacities, and each time he has stepped forward and served 
with honor and distinction.
  Chuck was first appointed as the U.S. attorney for the Northern 
District of Iowa by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and continued to 
serve in this position under President George H.W. Bush through 1993. 
During his service at this post, Chuck went well above and beyond. He 
devoted himself to fighting the scourge of drug crime and abuse by 
bringing local, State, and federal agencies together. Chuck also 
recognized the need for community outreach, and he pioneered a number 
of programs that brought together community leaders, clergy, and 
citizens to explore approaches to reduce drug abuse in Iowa.
  These ideas were recognized as very innovative at the time and led to 
President Clinton's call for Chuck to serve on the Commission on Drug-
Free Communities, a post in which Chuck served with distinction and 
which his son, Chuck, Jr., fills today.
  Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Chuck was again 
called to duty as the U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Iowa by 
President Bush. He continued his aggressive and innovative strategies 
in this new and complex era of the war on terror. His efforts led to 
programs for the training of law enforcement and other emergency 
responders in dealing with and preventing terrorist attacks. Chuck 
extended this training effort to private industry and trade 
associations. Yet Chuck never ceased his efforts in Iowa in fighting 
crime and drug abuse. His past successes in community outreach programs 
and law enforcement coordination led to the creation of programs such 
as the ``Weed and Seed'' initiative in Cedar Rapids and the statewide 
``Meth and More'' program. These programs not only helped put criminals 
behind bars but also provided help and support to thousands trapped in 
the destructive cycle of methamphetamine abuse and educated Iowa 
communities about the disastrous effects of drug abuse. His devotion to 
this cause can be summed up in Chuck's own words, ``if we can save one 
life, then our efforts are a success.''
  In the midst of this, his country called yet again. In 2004, Mr. 
Larson was ask to serve as the senior Department of Justice 
representative in Iraq. Chuck was given the enormous task of directing 
and administering efforts to train Iraqi judiciary, law enforcement, 
and civilian contractors. He was tasked with nothing less than 
restoring justice and equity to the Iraqi judicial system. Despite the 
inherent dangers and complexities of his mission, Chuck yet again 
served with distinction.
  Again, I offer my thanks and congratulations to U.S. Attorney Charles 
Larson, Sr. Chuck's dedication, devotion, and courage, again and again, 
provided invaluable service to our country and the great State of Iowa. 
Chuck, you are a true American and a model for all in Government 
service.

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