[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1806-E1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   LIEUTENANT COLONEL CLEMENT C. VAN WAGONER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS 
                             AFFAIRS CLINIC

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 15, 2008

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2339, a bill 
to name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient 
clinic in Alpena, Michigan, after LTC Clement C. Van Wagoner.
  I would like to thank Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for 
their support of this legislation.
  Clement C. Van Wagoner, a native of Alpena County, is one of 
Michigan's most highly decorated veterans of WorId War II. He 
distinguished himself as commander of the A Co., First Battalion, 18th 
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, serving 600 days of combat 
and returning to battle after being wounded five separate times.
  Mr. Van Wagoner was one of only 32 survivors of the 1,800 soldiers 
who landed with the 1st Infantry Division at Omaha Beach on D-day.
  He was the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, four Silver Stars, 
seven Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts, the Soldier's Medal, and many 
others.
  However, Mr. Van Wagoner's service did not stop after returning home. 
He continued to serve the State of Michigan and his country

[[Page E1807]]

honorably as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard. The governor 
requested that he re-establish and command an Army National Guard unit 
in Alpena, which he commanded until he retired in 1967.
  Mr. Van Wagoner was an outstanding member of his community, a local 
hero, and a great American. His son, Clayton, has carried on the family 
tradition of national service as a member of the Army Reserve.
  Clement C. Van Wagoner passed away in 2007. It is fitting to honor 
him, his years of service, and his family by naming the Veterans 
Affairs clinic in Alpena the ``Lieutenant Colonel Clement C. Van 
Wagoner Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.''
  This legislation has been endorsed by the Michigan American Legion, 
Michigan VFW, Michigan AMVETS, Michigan DAV, Alpena County Board of 
Commissioners, City of Alpena, Township of Alpena, and Alpena County 
Veterans Council.
  I would also like to thank the entire Michigan House delegation for 
their support on this legislation and Senators Stabenow and Levin for 
their work on S. 2339.

                          ____________________