[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 190 (Tuesday, December 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              GALLAGHER-HANSEN VFW POST'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the 
Gallagher-Hansen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 295, Department of 
Minnesota, on the occasion of the Post's 90th Anniversary. Since its 
original charter in 1919, the Gallagher-Hansen VFW Post has been 
dedicated to serving veterans and the entire community of South Saint 
Paul, Minnesota.
  Founded as the Patrick Gallagher Post in honor of a local World War I 
veteran, the post was renamed to honor Lt. Harry C. Hansen, a post 
member, who lost his life during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
  All veterans have served and sacrificed on behalf of our great 
Nation, but many veterans continue their noble service after their 
tours of duty have been completed. The members of the Gallagher-Hansen 
VFW Post are among these selfless servants.
  Throughout its proud history, the Gallagher-Hansen Post and Auxiliary 
have earned distinction as exceptional Veterans Service Organizations. 
Beyond its strong support for veterans, the post is also a community 
cornerstone. From providing donations to the Dakota County Veterans 
Emergency Assistance Fund and the South St. Paul Police K-9 unit, to 
sponsoring an annual Children's Safety Camp and funding a new 
scoreboard at Wakota Arena, Gallagher-Hansen provides steadfast support 
to residents in the area.
  Gallagher-Hansen's reputation for outstanding public service extends 
deep into its ranks. Post 295 has been the home VFW post to many state 
and national leaders, including former Minnesota Governors Karl 
Rolvaag, Harold Stassen and Orville Freeman. Other members include: 
past National Ladies VFW Auxiliary President Lola Reid, whose late 
husband Dr. James Reid served as past Surgeon General of the VFW; past 
National VFW Chaplain Father Harold E. Whittel; Robert Hansen, past 
Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
and the brother of Lt. Harry C. Hansen; and the late U.S. Navy Admiral 
John S. McCain, father of U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in rising to honor the 90th Anniversary 
of the Gallagher-Hansen VFW Post No. 295, and the veterans who have 
given so much in support of their fellow veterans, families and our 
community.

                          ____________________