[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING 2012 UPPER PENINSULA OF MICHIGAN VETERAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2012

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, let it be known that it is an honor and 
pleasure to pay tribute to Corporal Richard M. Morrison for his 
extraordinary service to our country both on and off the battlefield, 
for which he has been named the 2012 Upper Peninsula of Michigan 
Veteran of the Year.
  Corporal Morrison served in the Fighting 4th Division of the U.S. 
Marine Corps. He is a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, and was 
awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Asiatic Pacific Campaign 
Medal with two Bronze Stars.
  Long after he retired his Marine Corps' uniform, Corporal Morrison 
has continued to serve our country as a public servant and mentor to 
our veterans. He has dedicated his life to serving veterans and their 
families in communities throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Corporal 
Morrison is currently affiliated with the Walter W. Cole American 
Legion, the Marine Corps League Detachment and Military Order of the 
Devil Dogs among other organizations. Corporal Morrison has also been 
elected as the Adjutant, Vice Commander and Commander of American 
Legion Post 301, as well as the American Legion 11th District 
Commander.
  For his more than 25 years of work as a Michigan Department of 
Veterans Affairs Service Officer and his 8 years as Chairman of the 
American Legion Department of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation 
Committee, the American Legion officially named their annual officer 
service school the ``Richard Morrison Service Officer School.''
  During 2012, Corporal Morrison attended all American Legion district 
and zone meetings; visited four Marine Corps Detachments; served on the 
2012 Michigan Marine Corps League State Convention Committee; taught 
students about military history at six local schools; trained American 
Legion Service Officers; and was a member of the Delta County Veterans 
Council Funeral Honor Guard.
  On behalf of the citizens of Michigan's First District, it is my 
privilege to recognize Corporal Richard M. Morrison as the 2012 Upper 
Peninsula of Michigan Veteran of the Year for his service, sacrifice, 
and continued patriotism.

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