[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 57 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING THE LIFE OF DENNIS KOEHLER

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 2, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Mr. Dennis Koehler and express my deepest condolences to his family. 
Dennis died Sunday evening at the age of 69 following a battle with 
melanoma.
  South Florida has lost a true hero with the passing of Dennis 
Koehler. Dennis served our Nation courageously during the war in 
Vietnam. After coming home to Palm Beach County, he ran for and was 
elected to a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission. During those 8 
years, he selflessly worked to help improve the lives of Palm Beach 
County citizens. He was well-known for his compassion and dedication to 
the community.
  Additionally, Dennis was a major advocate for veterans' rights. He is 
one of the founding members of Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA, and 
served on VVA's first National Board of Directors from 1983 to 1985. A 
veteran himself, Dennis understood the importance of taking care of 
those who have served our Nation with dignity and respect.
  As an attorney in private practice, Dennis has earned the gratitude 
of veterans throughout Florida by using his legal skills to fight for 
their rights and benefits. Two years ago, when one of my constituents 
lost his pension following a road accident, Dennis volunteered his time 
and knowledge to work with my Congressional office to have the 
Department of Veterans' Affairs reinstate my constituent's benefits.
  Dennis' activism on this tragic issue prompted me to introduce the 
Veterans Pensions Protection Act to ensure that veterans, and their 
surviving spouses and children, will never again face the threat of 
losing their pensions because they received payments to cover expenses 
incurred after an accident. I wish to dedicate the Veterans Pensions 
Protection Act in honor of Dennis Koehler for his lifetime commitment 
and service to this Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, Dennis was a true patriot, a community leader, and an 
outstanding American. I am deeply saddened by his passing, which is 
more than a personal loss for just myself, but also a loss to the South 
Florida community.

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