[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 166 (Thursday, September 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. PATRICK WELCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2020

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. 
Patrick Welch, a Vietnam War veteran who made it his mission in life to 
ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
  Dr. Welch enlisted into the United States Marine Corps at the young 
age of 17 and served in combat as an Infantry Squad Leader with the 3rd 
Division during the Vietnam War. He was severely injured on the 
battlefield and immobilized for two years. For his service, Dr. Welch 
was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good 
Conduct Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign 
Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and the New York State Conspicuous 
Service Cross.
  Like many veterans, when Dr. Welch returned to Buffalo, New York from 
the war he was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
He quickly realized that many of his fellow comrades were facing the 
same challenges he was. It was at that point that he decided to 
dedicate his life to raising awareness about veterans' mental health 
and he worked to provide avenues in which they could seek treatment. In 
doing so he substantially altered the conversation about the mental 
health of veterans in Western New York. He promoted the idea that 
mental health isn't a taboo subject but rather a reality for a number 
of veterans returning home. He often says ``War doesn't break us, war 
changes us.''
  Those who know Dr. Welch can attest to the fact that he is a great 
leader, educator, and a speaker who uses his skills to advocate for 
veterans. Dr. Welch is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of 
America, was the Director of Erie County Veterans Services, and the 
Director of the Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services at 
Daemen College. His most treasured role was helping individual veterans 
as a Senior Mentor in the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court. Dr. Welch 
currently serves as the Chair of the Community Veterans Engagement 
Board of Western New York. He always works closely with our office to 
advocate for policies and services that benefit veterans. Dr. Welch 
recently joined our Service Academy Advisory Committee to assist those 
following in his footsteps to serve our nation. He has built 
relationships with many veterans in Western New York behind the scenes. 
In doing so he has set a solid precedent for how each one of us should 
treat veterans returning home after defending our freedom.
  Dr. Welch's extensive work has laid solid groundwork for the next 
generation of leaders and advocates. His openness about his personal 
struggles has fostered an atmosphere within our community where 
veterans feel like they have a safe place to be supported and heal. I 
have closely worked with Dr. Patrick Welch for many years so it is my 
privilege today to personally thank him for his service and friendship.

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