[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 220 (Thursday, December 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MR. DAVID BALLENGER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 23, 2021

  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
a dedicated professional with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the 
occasion of his retirement. Mr. David Ballenger is an exemplary public 
servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism 
serving our nation's veterans. He has served with the Office of 
Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans 
Affairs for more than 17 years. His career in public service is a 
testament to the importance of selfless service.
  For the last 10 years, Mr. Ballenger served as the Director of the 
Legislative Team in the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs 
at VA. He has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important 
matters spanning VA's health benefits, memorial functions, human 
resources, information technology, and real property. In this capacity, 
he has been the conduit between Congress and VA, providing technical 
assistance on multiple pieces of landmark legislation including the VA 
MISSION Act, the Forever GI Bill, the VA Disability Appeals 
Modernization Act, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, the 
Veterans' COMPACT Act, and the Deborah Sampson Act. He also spearheaded 
the Department's legislative proposal submissions.
  As Mr. Ballenger embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that 
he will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the 
outstanding contributions he has made to the Department of Veterans 
Affairs, Congress, and veterans of the United States. May his life be 
filled with health and happiness.

                          ____________________