[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. GORDON ``GORDIE'' LANE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN KATKO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2021

  Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Gordon ``Gordie'' Lane, who passed away on February 23, 2021. In my 
district in Central New York, Gordie was a proud and tireless veterans 
advocate who spent decades working to ensure local veterans and their 
families received the healthcare and recognition they deserve.
  Gordie was a lifelong Syracuse resident, retiree of the Syracuse 
Police Department, and proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served in 
Vietnam. After returning home from Vietnam, Gordie became acutely aware 
of the unique hardships facing many of his fellow veterans and the lack 
of support services available. To provide assistance and guidance, 
Gordie became a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America 
Chapter No. 103, an organization that works to promote the general 
welfare of local Vietnam Veterans and provides support to those 
attempting to access benefits or services they are due. As a member of 
the organization, and later as its president, Gordie worked tirelessly 
with local officials, law enforcement, and veterans' hospitals to 
bolster access to critical resources and care for local veterans. Over 
the years, I had the distinct honor of working personally with Gordie 
and have partnered with him on a number of efforts to support our 
veterans community.
  In addition to his tireless work to address the needs of local 
veterans, Gordie also passionately worked to recognize their service. 
Notably, in 1984 Gordie acted as a driving force behind the creation of 
a local Korea-Vietnam Memorial to commemorate those who served. Today, 
this memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the great contributions 
and sacrifices made by local Vietnam and Korean veterans in Central New 
York.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in 
honoring the life of Mr. Gordon ``Gordie'' Lane. Through his many years 
of advocacy, Gordie has undoubtedly made a positive impact in the lives 
of hundreds of local veterans. I ask my colleagues to keep him and his 
family in mind as we celebrate his life.

                          ____________________