[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 202 (Tuesday, December 1, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MIKE HELDSTAB

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, Mike Heldstab joined my staff in June of 
2014. Serving as my State military liaison, he assisted well over a 
thousand Kansas veterans and Active servicemembers during his 6\1/2\ 
years on my staff. Mike would often travel the State in my stead, 
between communities in south central Kansas and our military 
installations--namely, Fort Riley and his hometown of Junction City.
  Mike is a tireless advocate for servicemembers and veterans. He is 
well known in the Kansas military and veterans communities as a trusted 
resource who produces results. Most notably, Mike advocated for a 
policy change in the VA's Specially Adapted Housing Program after 
working with the family of a disabled Army veteran to adapt their home. 
His efforts resulted in new legislation that was signed into law on 
August 8, 2020, that expanded this critical grant program so disabled 
veterans can adapt their homes to fit their disability. I am confident 
that Mike's selfless approach to service will continue in every aspect 
of his life.
  In addition to his work assisting veterans and military 
servicemembers, Mike was involved in Wichita-area volunteer 
organizations and strived to be a community leader. Mike has a passion 
for economic development that I am certain will serve him well in his 
next chapters in life. I commend his efforts to make Kansas and Wichita 
a better place.
  Mike's highlights from his years on staff include being able to 
travel and meet with Senator Bob Dole between 2014 and 2015 when 
Kansas's Favorite Son was touring all 105 counties. He also cherished 
his opportunities to interact with our military, which provided him the 
chance to fly in Air Force tankers out of McConnell Air Force Base and 
playing wheelchair basketball with wounded warriors.
  While Mike is leaving our staff, I know I will see him many more 
times in the years ahead as a friend and trusted adviser. Thank you, 
Mike, for your many years of service to the citizens of Kansas, and I 
wish you all the best as you start this new chapter of your career.

                          ____________________