[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO RICHARD L. TALBOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2009

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with my 
colleague Congresswoman Ellen O. Tauscher, to recognize Richard L. 
Talbott, Regional Manager for the Readjustment Counseling Service, 
Pacific Western Region within the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and 
congratulate him as he approaches his retirement this June and thank 
him for his outstanding service to our nation's military veterans.
  Dick served our country with honor as a member of the US Army, 9th 
Infantry Division and from 1968 to 1969 fought in Vietnam. Following 
his release from active duty, Dick began his VA career. He first joined 
the San Diego VA Medical Center, Psychology Department and in 1988 he 
became a counselor at the Escondido Vet Center. Dick was soon promoted 
to the position of Team Leader, a position he held from 1990 through 
1993. It was during this period that Dick also served as the Executive 
Director and CEO of the Vietnam Veterans of San Diego (VVSD), and co-
authored a ``how to'' manual on Stand Down for homeless veterans. It 
was largely due to Dick's tireless efforts and his keen sense of 
purpose that the program was deemed a huge success, as he more than 
doubled the residential services capacity for homeless veterans and was 
the primary negotiator in securing nearly $2 million for expanded 
homeless veteran services related to the base closure process in San 
Diego. The Stand Down as developed in San Diego, has been replicated by 
agencies across our country and is considered by experts in the field, 
a stellar program for providing a wide range of services to our 
homeless and at risk veterans.
  It was at this time that Dick also took on the responsibilities of 
Regional Manager for the Readjustment Counseling Service. Since 
assuming this position, he has been responsible for the oversight and 
operation of thirty-two highly successful Vet Centers throughout 
California, Hawaii, Oregon, and the Territory of Guam.
  Madam Speaker. we invite our colleagues to join us in also thanking 
Dick's wife Maureen, his daughter Megan and son Michael for the 
sacrifices they have undoubtedly made during the span of his career. We 
join today with his family, colleagues, friends, and most importantly 
with the men and women of our veteran communities across the nation who 
have benefited most from his work, in recognizing, celebrating and 
sincerely thanking Richard L. Talbott for a remarkable career.

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