[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING FORMER U.S. SENATOR AND AMERICAN WAR HERO, MAX CLELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Max Cleland, my friend, 
former U.S. Senator and an American war hero. Today marks the 43rd 
Anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh. It was there that at the age of 
25, he earned the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous action 
in combat serving America as a U.S. Army Captain in Vietnam.
  On April 8, with a month left in his tour, Captain Cleland was 
ordered to set up a radio relay station on a nearby hill. A helicopter 
flew him and two soldiers to the treeless top of Hill 471, east of Khe 
Sanh. When the helicopter landed, Cleland jumped out and was 
accidentally struck by a grenade blast. The explosion slammed him 
backward, shredding both his legs and one arm. Due to the severity of 
his injuries, doctors amputated both of Cleland's legs above the knee 
and his right forearm.
  Max Cleland only became stronger after this devastating experience, 
and dedicated himself to a life of public service as a United States 
Senator where he worked to significantly improve the lives of Veterans 
returning from war. In these ways, he lived in the essence of one of 
his favorite quotes from Ernest Hemingway ``The world breaks everyone, 
and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.''
  Max, we are inspired by your patriotism, spirit, and your great 
achievements to our nation. We only hope that our nation can follow 
your example and grow stronger at all the broken places.

                          ____________________