[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 41 (Thursday, March 7, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1731-S1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW SHUMAN

 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I am proud to recognize in 
the Record the American Legion's director of the national legislative 
division, Matthew Shuman, who has a long record of service to our 
Nation's veterans.
  Mr. Shuman has not only dedicated his career to serving veterans, he 
is a veteran himself. He served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012, 
most notably as a military police officer. Mr. Shuman concluded his 
military career serving on the Arizona Army National Guard Honor Guard, 
providing military funeral honors for our Nation's fallen soldiers.
  Mr. Shuman began serving veterans with the American Legion in 2015, 
starting as an assistant legislative director with the veterans 
employment and education portfolio in Washington, DC. In his current 
role as director of the national legislative division, Mr. Shuman is 
the chief advocate for the
2-million-member organization, working with Federal agencies, the White 
House, and the media to share what the American Legion is doing in 
Congress on behalf of the 20 million American veterans.
  During his time with the American Legion, Mr. Shuman had a role in 
the creation and passage of significant legislation impacting America's 
veterans. These include the VA MISSION Act, the VA Appeals 
Modernization Act, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection 
Act, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, and The 
American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. These efforts 
have contributed to improving the quality of life and strengthening 
healthcare and benefits for servicemembers, veterans, and their 
families.
  Today I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Shuman for his service to 
our country and his steadfast commitment to advocating on behalf of 
veterans throughout his career. Congratulations to Mr. Shuman on his 
lasting legacy of advocacy for veterans, and I wish him the best in his 
future endeavors.
 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the service 
and career of veteran and dedicated advocate Matthew Shuman.
  The American Legion is a cornerstone in countless American 
communities, helping our veterans get the care, benefits, and 
recognition they earned while giving back through

[[Page S1732]]

youth programs, scholarship assistance, and grassroots efforts. The 
American Legion's membership is robust and active, and they have been 
well-served by Matthew.
  Matthew has been a tireless legislative advocate for American Legion 
members and the veteran community as a whole. In his role overseeing 
the American Legion's legislative efforts, Matthew has been 
instrumental in improving VA healthcare and benefits for our more than 
22 million veterans, including 2 million Legionnaires around the world.
  Matthew served in the U.S. Army from 2008 to 2012. He served as a 
military police officer and concluded his military career as a member 
of the Arizona Army National Guard Honor Guard, memorializing our 
fallen soldiers by providing military funeral honors.
  Following his military service, Matthew attended Grand Canyon 
University and participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, 
ROTC, at Arizona State University. He graduated from Marymount 
University in Arlington, VA, with a B.S. in criminal justice. He 
established his passion for public service by working for two different 
Members of Congress, as well as working on the 2012 election cycle.
  Matthew's career with the American Legion began in 2015, when he 
started as an assistant legislative director focused on veterans' 
employment and education in their Washington, DC, headquarters. In 
January 2017, Matthew began his tenure as the director of the American 
Legion's national legislative division. In that role, Matthew has been 
the American Legion's chief advocate before Congress, the White House, 
and the Department of Veterans' Affairs. Matthew has helped lead an 
organization that has always been at the forefront of advocating for 
veterans and securing the resources, healthcare, and benefits veterans 
have earned.
  As ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, it has 
been a joy to work with Matthew and the American Legion on important 
legislation like the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization 
Act, the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, the Harry 
W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act--also known as the 
Forever G.I. Bill--several reforms and subsequent overhaul of the VA's 
healthcare system, and the current implementation of the VA MISSION 
Act. All the while, I have been impressed with Matthew's charisma, 
kindness, and humor.
  These bipartisan bills, all of which were signed into law, serve as a 
testament to Matthew's dedication and leadership on behalf of veterans. 
Future generations of veterans will be able to look at these bipartisan 
reforms as examples of Matthew's advocacy on behalf of all veterans.
  It is my honor to recognize Matthew's outstanding military service 
and continued service to our servicemembers, veterans, and their 
families. As Matthew begins a new chapter, I have no doubt that he will 
continue to be a voice for those in need.
  To Matthew, on behalf of myself and a grateful nation, I extend my 
greatest appreciation to you for your enduring bravery, service, 
sacrifice, and advocacy.

                          ____________________