[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF MINNESOTA'S NEW VFW STATE COMMANDER, STAN KOWALSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHELE BACHMANN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Minnesota's 
new VFW Commander, Stan Kowalski, who was officially installed last 
month at a ceremony in Moorhead, Minnesota. As the VFW has itself 
noted, Stan Kowalski may very well be the last state commander 
nationwide to emerge from that Greatest Generation, veterans of the 
Second World War.
   Though he numbers in years 82, Stan Kowalski is a vibrant, active, 
energetic citizen. In fact, he's made no secret of the fact that he 
entertains the idea of running for National Commander of the VFW in the 
future.
   Kowalski is a strong advocate for those who once and those who now 
wear the uniform. He has been a frequent visitor to Camp Ripley and the 
Air Force Reserves' 934th Airlift Wing to see our troops headed off 
overseas. He's organized VFW post dinners for families of deployed 
Marines. And, he's served on the VFW's national POW/MIA Council. In 
fact, he gave the eulogy when PFC Robert Cahow returned home from 
Germany to Clear Lake, Wisconsin, after 57 years missing.
   Kowalski has shown a particularly great deal of compassion for those 
of his comrades who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing a 
time of need. He has noted that during his tenure as state commander, 
he will work closely with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans 
to help the estimated 700 homeless veterans across Minnesota. He calls 
those veterans a ``Lost Brigade'' and notes that his mission is 
``making sure they get found and get the help they need.''
   While his commitment to his fellow veterans runs strong and deep, he 
has also served his community in other ways. He was a longtime member 
of the School Board in Spring Lake Park District 16, a Little League 
coach, an Olympic torch carrier, and a 9/11 memorial organizer. Stan 
Kowalski, who many know from his 26-year career as a pro-wrestler with 
19 major titles, has been a prolific fundraiser for efforts ranging 
from the Greater Twin Cities United Way to the ROTC to Save Our Sports 
for the University of Minnesota.
   Madam Speaker, I join all of Minnesota in paying tribute to the 
great energy and good works of Commander Stan Kowalski.

                          ____________________