[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E510-E511]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING INDIANA LEGISLATORS: SENATORS ALLEN PAUL AND JOHNNY NUGENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LUKE MESSER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2014

  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the careers of two 
extraordinary Indiana legislators: Senators Allen Paul and Johnny 
Nugent. These two friends have served the state of Indiana for decades, 
and I want to personally thank them for all of their hard work and 
recognize them for their many accomplishments.
  Let me tell you a little bit about Senator Allen Paul. Allen 
volunteered for the U.S. army in 1967 and is a decorated Vietnam 
Veteran. He was awarded the Bronze Star for saving a man's life and 
also earned a Combat Infantry Badge and four Air Medals. After being 
honorably discharged from the Army, Allen was elected to the State 
Senate in 1986 where he was a tireless advocate for military members 
and their families. He passed important legislation to help veterans 
receive a college degree and supported legislation to offer in-state 
tuition for veterans.
  Senator Paul has the distinction of being the first legislator from 
Eastern Indiana to serve in a leadership position within the caucus. 
During his 28 year tenure in the Senate, He served as Majority Whip, 
Chairman of the Insurance Committee and Chair of the Financial 
Institutions Committee. His political savvy and institutional knowledge 
will certainly be missed by his colleagues in the State Legislature.
  Senator Paul's dear friend Senator Johnny Nugent has also decided to 
retire after more than 30 years in office. He too is a veteran of the 
U.S. Army and Army Reserve. At the age of 26, Johnny was elected 
Dearborn County Commissioner--the youngest commissioner ever elected in 
Indiana. As a State Senator, Johnny held numerous leadership positions 
including Majority Floor Leader, Chair of the Agriculture and Small 
Business committee and ranking member of the Insurance and Financial 
Institutions Committee.
  Senator Nugent has been a tireless defender of the 2nd Amendment and 
served two-terms on the NRA's Board of Directors. The only individual 
in Indiana to serve on the board. During his tenure in the Senate, he 
successfully sponsored Indiana's ``Castle Doctrine,'' as well as the 
nation's first lifetime concealed carry permit. Senator Nugent is also 
known for his involvement in his local community. He is a member of the 
Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Southeastern Indiana Shrine 
Club. He is a successful small business owner and ran Nugent Tractor 
sales of Lawrenceburg for decades.
  Both Allen Paul and Johnny Nugent serve as shining examples of what 
it means to be a public servant. I ask the entire 6th Congressional 
district to join me in recognizing these two outstanding Hoosier 
legislators. I have no doubt these great men will bring the same 
commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm they had for serving their 
constituents and their communities to the next chapter of their lives.

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