[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MAX CLELAND CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF 2016

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2016

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the 
extraordinary contributions to our nation by Max Cleland, who served as 
a United States Senator from Georgia between 1997 and 2003, by 
introducing the Max Cleland Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016.
  Max Cleland's life in public service began as a young man when he 
joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Stetson University. 
Following his graduation, he volunteered to serve as an Army Officer in 
Vietnam, where he was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery at the 
Battle of Khe Sanh. He later suffered extensive injuries in combat, 
ultimately losing both of his legs and his right arm. Facing an 
uncertain future while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 
Senator Cleland fought to overcome his injuries with both resilience 
and sheer fortitude.
  Following his release from Walter Reed, Cleland became the youngest 
member of the Georgia State Senate in 1970. Seven years later, he was 
appointed to head the Veterans Administration by President Jimmy 
Carter. Cleland then served as Georgia's Secretary of State from 1982 
to 1996, after which he was elected to the United States Senate, where 
he represented Georgia for six years. In the U.S. Senate, Cleland 
advocated for veterans and a strong national defense, helped to 
institute significant reforms at the U.S. Department of Defense, and 
became a respected leader in Congress. Upon leaving the Senate, he 
served on the 9/11 Commission and is currently the Secretary of the 
American Battle Monuments Commission, a position to which he was 
appointed by President Obama in 2009.
  As a leader on behalf of veterans for over four decades, Senator 
Cleland has overcome immeasurable obstacles and demonstrated how 
disabilities do not have to hinder having an accomplished and fulfilled 
life. His service, life, and fortitude in the face of adversity are 
indeed an example for us all.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the proper means to honor this 
distinguished American who has given so much and continues to work 
tirelessly on behalf of the entire nation. I urge my colleagues to 
support this measure.

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