[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO DAN LYONS

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I am proud to recognize one 
of Nevada's veterans whose overwhelming sacrifice on behalf of those 
who served our great Nation is inspiring. As I speak, Mr. Lyons is 
traveling on foot from his hometown of Reno, NV to our Nation's capital 
to encourage legislators to assist our homeless veterans.
  This is a serious issue that I have worked on since I was elected to 
Congress. Today, over 100,000 veterans are on America's streets. Many 
have serious problems and need support. That is why I stand with Mr. 
Lyons as he completes his 2,600 mile journey.
  The brave men and women who served our country and fought to protect 
our freedom are coming back to a struggling economy with few job 
prospects, leaving them unable to afford housing. Our Nation's 
servicemembers have made great sacrifices for our country, and they 
deserve our gratitude and support. We must welcome them home and help 
them transition to civilian life. Assisting our Nation's veterans and 
families is of the utmost importance.
  I am also grateful that Mr. Lyons is raising awareness for an issue 
that I am personally involved with. Having a family member who serves 
in the Armed Forces, I have always been an advocate for our troops. 
That is why I proudly cosponsored and voted in support of bipartisan 
legislation, the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which was signed into law by 
President Obama. This legislation provides a tax credit to employers 
who hire veterans while also offering education and funding to provide 
on-the-job training and employment assistance to veterans. Ensuring our 
returning soldiers come home to good paying jobs is the least we can do 
and the VOW to Hire Heroes Act helps put our Nation's veterans back to 
work.
  Mr. Lyons' selfless efforts to honor and acknowledge our Nation's 
veterans epitomize service over self. I commend Mr. Lyons for his 
steadfast determination in raising awareness for those who keep us 
safe. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lyons 
for his service to our country and commitment to helping veterans in 
need.

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