[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL SALUTE TO VETERAN PATIENTS AND HONORING THE 
            JESSE BROWN AND HINES VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITALS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the week in which 
we celebrate the National Salute to Veteran Patients which begins 
February 12th.
  The United States Department of Veterans Affairs annually observes 
the week of February 14th as our Nation's National Salute to Veteran 
Patients. This week is our opportunity to honor the more than 98,000 
veterans who are cared for day-in and day-out by our Nation's Veterans 
Affairs hospitals, outpatient clinics, and nursing homes.
  Our Nation's veterans have sacrificed much to ensure the safety of 
our homeland. Their service oftentimes comes at a price to their own 
personal well-being. When our servicemen and women are injured, our 
Veterans Affairs hospitals provide vital services that help them heal 
and return to life in our communities. This week serves as a reminder 
to thank our veterans for their service to our country while also 
commending those who treat them with medical care.
  I would also like to recognize the Veterans Affairs hospitals that 
serve the servicemen and women of Illinois's 5th District and the 
surrounding areas. The Jesse Brown Veteran Affairs Medical Center and 
the Edward Hines, Jr. Veteran Affairs Hospital admirably serve our 
veterans throughout the City of Chicago as well as into other parts of 
Illinois and Indiana. With more than one million outpatient visits 
between the two hospitals in a single year, the doctors, nurses and 
staff of both Jesse Brown and Edward Hines, Jr. are to be commended for 
the care that they provide to our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our Nation's 
veterans during this National Salute to Veteran Patients week.

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