[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 80 (Monday, June 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                       TRIBUTE TO PETER P. HENRY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Peter P. 
Henry for his many years of service to the veterans of our country, 
including a very long and successful career spent serving as the senior 
executive director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Black Hills 
Health Care System. He will be retiring in July after 41 years of 
Federal service which includes a 16-year period with the Black Hills 
Veterans Affairs, VA.
  A strong advocate of personal and professional development, Peter 
enhanced his skills and experience through completion of a graduate 
degree in health care administration before going on to become 
executive director of the Black Hills VA. Throughout his tenure with 
the VA, he has worked tirelessly to provide services to all South 
Dakota veterans, even those from rural and reservation areas, making 
sure that every veteran has access to quality care. During his years of 
public service, he has provided care to over 400,000 veterans and 
touched the lives of over 20,000 VA health administration staff 
members.
  In his time with the VA, Peter has received many notable awards, 
including the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award. He was awarded this 
prestigious honor in 1998 and 2010. It is awarded to only 1 percent of 
career civil service executives who consistently demonstrate strength, 
integrity, and a persistent commitment to excellence in civic service.
  I would like to express my personal and sincere appreciation to Peter 
for his outstanding service to the veterans of our great country. I 
wish him and his family happiness in the years to come.

                          ____________________