[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 6, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2684-S2685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO STEVEN LEACH

 Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the 
inspiring accomplishments of Steven Leach, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran 
and past department commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars from 
Pawlet, VT, who is known by his fellow veterans, friends, and 
acquaintances as ``The Monument Man.'' Steve has long been a strong 
leader within the veterans' community, especially as a member of 
Harned-Fowler VFW Post 6471 in Manchester Center, VT, and a passionate 
advocate for veterans and their family members.

[[Page S2685]]

  Most recently, Steve has dedicated himself to preserving the memory 
of the service and sacrifice of wartime veterans for future generations 
of Vermonters, as well as visitors to the Green Mountain State. In 
2010, he spearheaded a major initiative to erect a monument 
commemorating the thousands of Vermont veterans who served in the 
Korean war, including the 94 Vermonters who were killed in action 
during ``the forgotten war'' and the 20 who remain missing to this day. 
For more than 3 years, Steve planned, designed, coordinated, and 
fundraised to make the monument a reality, and on August 5, 2013, he 
helped inaugurate the Vermont Korean War Monument in Manchester, VT.
  Inspired by the overwhelming support for that effort and not one to 
rest on his laurels, Steve set out to erect a similar monument in honor 
of World War II veterans, to be installed at the new Bennington Welcome 
Center on Route 279, also known as the Vermont World War II Veterans 
Memorial Highway. That project is almost complete and will be dedicated 
on August 15 as part of the events commemorating the 70th anniversary 
of the conclusion of World War II. On that date, thanks in large part 
to Steve's efforts, Vermonters will gather to unveil a monument 
recognizing the sacrifices of those who contributed to the defeat of 
tyranny 70 years ago, including the more than 1,200 Vermonters who died 
as a result of combat.
  Between the two monument campaigns, Steve has logged hundreds of 
volunteer hours, travelled thousands of miles, raised tens of thousands 
of dollars, and, most importantly, touched the hearts of countless 
Vermonters in his quest to honor the service of our State's veterans.
  Steve Leach is another one of those extraordinary veterans we all 
have in our home States, who, although he took off his uniform, never 
really quit serving his country. This humble man will be rather 
embarrassed that I have chosen to place him in the spotlight for his 
selfless devotion to public service. His tireless efforts deserve 
special recognition in this body, and I am so proud to share his 
accomplishments with my colleagues.

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