[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E329]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MN STATE COMMANDER OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, ROBERT 
                              J. ERICKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Robert J. 
Erickson, upon the completion of his term as the State Commander of the 
Disabled American Veterans, Department of Minnesota (DAV MN). Commander 
Erickson has been committed to fulfilling the primary mission of DAV MN 
and honoring the promises our nation made to the brave men and women 
who have served America in uniform. I am honored to call him a personal 
friend.
  From the broadest vision to the smallest detail serving disabled 
veterans, Commander Erickson has been intimately involved in the 
various ways the DAV MN accomplishes its mission. He has visited all 31 
state chapters, from Rochester, to Fergus Falls, to Hibbing, Minnesota, 
and witnessed firsthand how veterans are served--and how many veterans 
still serve through volunteering. Under his direction, DAV MN has 
several unique programs to serve specific needs of Minnesota's disabled 
veterans. Minnesotans love the outdoors, and DAV MN organizes hunting 
and fishing trips to allow all veterans to continue to access these 
wonderful opportunities. Commander Erickson speaks proudly about the 
joy he sees in the hundreds of volunteers and veterans who participate 
in these outings.
  Under Commander Erickson's leadership, DAV Magazine recently 
highlighted the DAV MN Donor Connection program, which has provided 
approximately $400,000 in donated equipment for disabled veterans. 
Another source of pride is the partnership with the Minnesota Twins: 
the MN Twins/DAVMN Winter Warm Up Coat Drive that collects new and 
gently used coats for disabled veterans and their families. None of 
these commendable efforts would be possible without Commander Erickson 
and his tireless team.
  Commander Erickson has left a lasting mark through his leadership 
role on the board of the DAV MN Foundation, the charitable arm of the 
organization which supports projects by chapters, units, and partner 
organizations throughout the state. The DAV MN Foundation provides 
clothing and emergency assistance to homeless veterans, assists in 
funding the five state veterans homes, provides funds for various camps 
and lakeside retreats that allow veterans safe and accessible places to 
enjoy the outdoors, and assists with other equipment and needs for 
veterans living in our MN Veterans Homes. The DAV Transportation 
Network also serves a critical link, providing veterans with free 
transportation to and from VA medical facilities. Commander Erickson 
has helped to lead these critical programs and more as part of repaying 
the debt owed to our disabled veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of Robert Erickson's service as Commander of 
DAV MN, I am pleased to submit this statement recognizing the 
achievements of this dedicated servant to our disabled veterans and 
this nation.

                          ____________________