[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 129 (Tuesday, August 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  WELCOMING PAUL DILLARD TO NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 2, 2022

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome Paul E. 
Dillard, National Commander of The American Legion, as he visits 
American Legion posts in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. The 
Commander has a busy schedule across New Jersey, but I am proud that he 
will be visiting posts in Toms River, Brick, and Seaside Heights.
  Commander Dillard honorably served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam 
through four campaigns, including the Tet Offensive. He later received 
an honorable discharge as a radarman second-class petty officer from 
the Navy Reserve before attending Grayson County Junior College and 
East Texas State University.
  As we hope for all of our veterans, Commander Dillard was able to 
resettle back in his home State of Texas and started a family with his 
wife, Donna, and a successful insurance business practice focused on 
employee benefits.
  As a paid-up-for-life member of American Legion Post 265 in Lake 
Kiowa, Texas, Dillard served as post commander, vice commander, 
adjutant, and judge advocate. He coached American Legion Baseball for 
more than 10 years and served as his post's Boys State chairman. 
Commander Dillard was elected in 2021 and has set a theme of ``No 
Veteran Left Behind.''
  Representing a district that has one of the largest concentrations of 
veterans in the country, serving them and honoring their sacrifice is 
one of my highest priorities in Congress. The simple promise we make is 
that if someone steps up to protect us, our families, and our Nation's 
security, we will have their backs for the rest of their lives. Our 
country has not always kept this promise, but I look forward to working 
with Commander Dillard and The American Legion to work for a better 
future for our veterans and their families so they receive the benefits 
they have earned. I have no doubt Commander Dillard will enjoy his time 
visiting with his American Legion family in New Jersey and wish him 
continued success in his term as National Commander.