[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 173 (Thursday, November 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN CLAUDE ALEXANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2007

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, many of us on Capitol Hill have 
had the joy of knowing Captain Claude Alexander, but I would argue not 
enough of us. Too few have come to know this inspiring man, whose life 
was lived to the fullest, serving others. He lived for his family, his 
friends, and his country. In his death I hope people will hear his 
story and feel compelled to sacrifice for others as he did in his life.
  A story that starts in my home state of Kansas stretches across the 
country and across the globe. After graduating from high school in 
Ulysses, KS, Claude enlisted in the U.S. Army. His training had only 
begun when after completing basic training, he found out he had been 
accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation, 
he completed Army Ranger training that proved indispensable during his 
time in Vietnam.
  For his service in the harsh Vietnamese jungle, Captain Alexander was 
awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for heroic actions. After 
his radio man was killed in an ambush, Captain Alexander pressed on to 
establish a forward communications position. This allowed for an attack 
helicopter to zero in on the attacking Viet Cong. His actions saved his 
troops' lives, but he sustained significant injuries, losing his leg 
and hearing in his left ear.
  After sustaining such serious injuries some would give up. Some would 
say, ``I gave my all and that's all I have to give.'' Not Claude 
Alexander. He recovered and--despite an artificial leg--he lived an 
authentic life. After earning a master's degree in international 
relations from Columbia University, he came to Capitol Hill to work for 
another great Kansas veteran--Senator Bob Dole. Many issues in Congress 
are divisive, but it was agricultural issues that brought together 
Claude and his future wife Denise, who was working on the Senate 
Committee on Agriculture.
  Following his time on Capitol Hill, Captain Alexander went on to a 
distinguished career representing Ralston Purina Corporation for almost 
20 years. In retirement, he volunteered his time with wounded soldiers 
at Walter Reed, helping them realize they have a promising future even 
if it means living with a prosthetic. His life was a testament to this 
truth. He also worked as a consultant and was a member of the Missouri 
Kansas Forum and the Missouri and Kansas state societies. At state 
society banquets, Captain Alexander would often invite these wounded 
heroes to attend and be honored for their sacrifice.
  Perhaps it was his prairie roots or growing up in the Wild West, but 
something lit a fire of passion for life and service in Captain 
Alexander that burned bright his entire life. This flame has been 
passed on to many people. He will be greatly missed by those he knew, 
and his legacy and spirit will be carried on to those who did not. My 
thoughts and prayers go out to Denise and their children Meg, Philip 
and Kevin during this time of loss.

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