[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 175 (Monday, November 14, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H8452-H8455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
MAJOR GENERAL OLIVER W. DILLARD VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 7903) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the ``Major
General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic,'' as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 7903
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Oliver W. Dillard was born on September 28, 1926, in
Margaret, Alabama.
(2) In 1945, following basic training he was drafted and
was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as
part of the World War II army of occupation. He was selected
to serve as company clerk and began to work his way through
the ranks, attaining Technical Sergeant.
(3) Dillard successfully completed the Officer Candidate
School (OCS) selection process and was approved for
attendance at the Infantry OCS at Fort Benning in January
1947. He received a commission as a Second Lieutenant of
Infantry after graduating from Infantry OCS in July 1947 and
was the honor graduate of his Infantry officers basic course.
(4) He served in command and intelligence positions in
Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.
(5) During his service, Dillard graduated from the Army
Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in 1958, where he
was one of only three Black officers in his class. After
CGSC, he completed his bachelor's degree at the University of
Omaha leveraging his earlier studies at Tuskegee Institute.
(6) In 1965, Mr. Dillard graduated from the National War
College, becoming the first Black officer to do so. He
graduated at the top of his class.
(7) MG Dillard's military awards include the Distinguished
Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star, the
Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star
with one Oak Leaf Cluster and ``V'' Device, the Purple Heart,
the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star (two
awards), the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Vietnam
Distinguished Service Order (1st and 2d Class). Dillard also
received two civilian awards from the Republic of Vietnam,
the Vietnam Rural Revolutionary Development Medal and the
Vietnam Ethnic Development Service Medal (1st Class).
(8) Dillard was inducted into the United States Army's
Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2012, the Officer
Candidate School Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Alabama
Military Hall of Honor in 2013.
(9) He died in Canton, Michigan, in 2015, and is buried in
Arlington National Cemetery.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC LOCATED IN
CANTON, MICHIGAN.
(a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs
community-based outpatient clinic located in Canton,
Michigan, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act
be known and designated as the ``Major General Oliver W.
Dillard VA Clinic''.
(b) References.-- Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be
a reference to the ``Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA
Clinic''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Takano) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ellzey) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
General Leave
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
insert extraneous material on H.R. 7903, as amended.
[[Page H8453]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from California?
There was no objection.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Major General Oliver
William Dillard, Sr., a decorated soldier, an exemplary Army
intelligence officer, and a pioneer for other Black and minority
military leaders.
I thank my colleague, Representative Haley Stevens, for introducing
this bill, H.R. 7903, as amended, which will designate the VA
outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W.
Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.
Originally from Margaret, Alabama, deep in the Jim Crow South, Major
General Dillard enrolled at the Tuskegee Institute at age 15 shortly
after the famed Tuskegee Airmen program was established. He was a proud
ROTC cadet and student instructor at Tuskegee and an exceptional
student as well.
Major General Dillard postponed his academic studies, however, after
being drafted into the U.S. military in 1945. He completed basic
training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and was sent to Bavaria, Germany,
where he served as an administrative specialist in the Army's 349th
Field Artillery Group during World War II.
Following the war, Major General Dillard chose to remain in the Army.
He completed Officer Candidate School and was assigned to the all-Black
356th Infantry Regiment at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
He served admirably throughout five campaigns in the Korean war and
graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort
Leavenworth in 1958 as one of only three Black officers in his class.
Major General Dillard later assisted a U.N. peacekeeping mission in
Monrovia, Liberia, before returning to the United States and working as
a senior intelligence officer in Washington, D.C.
In 1964, he became the first Black officer to attend the Army's
prestigious National War College and was selected to command a
battalion of the 5th Combat Support Training Brigade at Fort Dix.
He served honorably with the U.S. Military Assistance Command during
the Vietnam war, and upon his return he was promoted to brigadier
general, making him just the fifth Black flag officer in U.S. Army
history.
Major General Dillard went on to serve posts at Fort McPherson,
Georgia; Fort Hood, Texas; and Heidelberg, Germany, before retiring
from the Army after a 34-year career in 1980.
He remained committed to advancement opportunities for Black and
minority officers in his retirement and was a steadfast advocate for
equality within all branches of the Armed Forces, supporting the
overturning of the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy for LGBTQ
servicemembers before it was officially repealed in 2011.
For his dutiful service to this Nation, Major General Dillard
received nine military awards and two civilian medals, including the
Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the
Combat Infantryman's Badge with a star.
Veterans who receive care at the VA clinic in Canton, Michigan,
should feel honored to enter a facility bearing Major General Dillard's
name. I know we, as Members of Congress, are profoundly honored and
grateful for his service to our country as well.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters of support for H.R.
7903, as amended, from The American Legion, VFW, and DAV, as well as
the Michigan delegation.
Congress of the United States,
Washington, DC, May 27, 2022.
Hon. Mark Takano,
Chairman, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington,
DC.
Hon. Mike Bost,
Ranking Member, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Bost: We write in
support of legislation to designate the Department of
Veterans Affairs community based outpatient clinic in Canton,
Michigan, as the ``Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA
Outpatient Clinic''.
Oliver W. Dillard was born on September 28, 1926, in
Margaret, Alabama, and began a distinguished career of
service in 1945 when he was first drafted and assigned to the
349th Field Artillery Group following basic training. He was
selected to serve as company clerk and began to work his way
through the ranks.
In January 1947, Mr. Dillard was accepted to attend the
Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he
received a commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry. He
served in command and intelligence positions in Korea,
Germany, and Vietnam. In 1965, Mr. Dillard graduated from the
National War College, becoming the first Black officer to do
so.
Throughout Major General Dillard's distinguished service
career, he held various esteemed positions and received many
military and civilian awards. He served as the first black
General Officer in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff
of Intelligence, served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the U.S.
Army Forces Command, and Deputy Chief of Staff of
Intelligence for the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe. Major
General Dillard received nine military awards and two
civilian metals during his years of service, including the
Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Purple
Heart, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star.
Mr. Dillard retired in 1980 from military service--US Army
as a Major General after 34 years of service and resided in
Canton, Michigan, where he later passed.
It is in recognition of this barrier breaking service to
his country that we express our support for renaming the
Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Canton, Michigan in
his honor. We appreciate your time and consideration of this
of this important matter. We look forward to working with you
to recognize the life and service of Major General Dillard.
Sincerely,
Haley M. Stevens, Brenda L. Lawrence, Daniel T. Kildee,
Elissa Slotkin, Rashida Tlaib, Debbie Dingell, Bill Huizenga,
Peter Meijer, Tim Walberg, Fred Upton, Andy Levin, Lisa C.
McClain, Jack Bergman, John R. Moolenaar, Members of
Congress.
____
U.S. Senate,
Washington, DC, October 12, 2022.
Chairman Jon Tester,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Chairman Mark Takano,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Jerry Moran,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Ranking Member Mike Bost,
Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Tester, Ranking Member Moran, Chairman
Takano, and Ranking Member Bost: We write in support of H.R.
7903, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the
``Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.''
Major General Dillard began his career 34 year career in
1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group.
In 1947, he attended the Infantry Officer Candidate School at
Fort Benning where he received a commission as a Second
Lieutenant of infantry, and served in command and
intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam. In
1965, Major General Dillard became the first Black officer to
graduate from the National War College.
Major General Dillard served in many distinguished
capacities in the military throughout his life, including as
Deputy Chief of Staff to the U.S. Army Forces Command, and
Deputy Chief of Staff of Intelligence for the U.S. Armed
forces in Europe. Major General Dillard received nine
military awards and two civilian medals during his 34 years
of service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the
Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman's
Badge with Star.
Major General Dillard retired from military service in 1980
and resided in Canton, Michigan, until his passing in 2015.
In recognition of Mr. Dillard's exemplary service to his
country, we express our strong support for renaming the
Canton, Michigan Department of Veterans Affairs community-
based outpatient clinic in his honor and ask for the
Committee's consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow,
U.S. Senator.
Gary C. Peters,
U.S. Senator.
____
The American Legion, Department of Michigan
Submitted By Department Legislative Committee
Subject Naming the Canton V.A. CBOC
RESOLUTION 22-17
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. lived in Canton, Michigan at
the time of his passing; and
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. served in the United States
Army and retired as a Major General after 34 years; and
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. served the Office of the
Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, the last J2
(senior Intelligence officer) for the U.S. Military
Assistance Command--Vietnam, the first U.S. Army Forces
Command Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, and the first
black Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence for the U.S. Army
Europe.; and
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. was the fifth black officer
in the U.S. Army to attain the flag rank; and
[[Page H8454]]
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. was the first black graduate
of the National War College in 1965; and
Whereas, Oliver W. Dillard Sr. was a member of the Military
Intelligence Hall of Fame and Officer Candidate School Hall
of Fame; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That The American Legion, Department of Michigan,
via DEC email vote on April 8, 2022, supports the efforts of
Michigan Congressional Representative Haley Stevens to name
the V.A. Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, Canton, Michigan,
the Major General Oliver W. Dillard Sr. Department of
Veterans Affairs Health Clinic''.
____
Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Department of Michigan,
Lansing, MI, May 4, 2022.
Representative Haley Stevens,
Washington, DC.
To the Hon. Representative Haley Stevens: The Veterans of
Foreign Wars Department of Michigan enthusiastically supports
the renaming of the VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic,
Canton, Michigan to be the ``Major General Oliver W. Dillard
Sr. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Clinic''.
Major General Oliver W. Dillard Senior's 34 years of
exemplary service to our Nation cannot be understated, and
the renaming of this facility is a small step towards
recognizing his incredible service to our Nation. Through the
renaming of this facility, our Nation can begin to express
its gratitude for all he represented for his accomplishments
during his service and in breaking down barriers for African
American service members: his graduation as the first African
American from the National War College in 1965; being
selected as the first African American U.S. Army Forces
Command Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, and being
recognized in the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame and
Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame just to name a few.
We thank you for your endurance of bringing this task to
our attention allowing us to recognize those who served our
Nation honorably.
Kevin A. Conklin,
State Commander,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Michigan.
Derek Blumke,
State Adjutant & Quartermaster,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Michigan.
____
Disabled American Veterans,
Department of Michigan,
Fraser, Michigan, April 28, 2022.
The Office of Congresswoman Haley Stevens:
To Whom It May Concern: The Disabled American Veterans,
Department of Michigan supports Congresswoman Haley Stevens'
initiative to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs
community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the
``Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic''.
The DAV Department of Michigan believes naming the Canton
Outpatient Clinic in honor of General Dillard is a fitting
tribute to his dedication to duty and selfless sacrifices
over a lifetime of service to our country. General Dillard is
not only an inspiration to all of us who have served, but
also to generations of future veterans that will answer our
nations call.
Sincerely,
Paul Kaiser,
Adjutant,
DAV Department of Michigan.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I again thank the gentlewoman from Michigan
(Ms. Stevens) and all Members of the Michigan delegation for their
initiative on this bill.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this
legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7903, as amended, a bill
to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based
outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W.
Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.
Major General Dillard began his 34-year career in 1945 when he was
assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as part of the
post-World War II army of occupation.
In 1947, he attended the infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort
Benning, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant. He then
went on to serve in command and intelligence positions in Korea,
Germany, and Vietnam.
In 1965, Major General Dillard became the first Black officer to
graduate from the National War College.
Major General Dillard served in many distinguished capacities until
his retirement in 1980. Not only did he break down numerous barriers
over his career, but he held various esteemed positions, earned
military medals, to include the Silver and Bronze Stars, and multiple
civilian awards.
By naming the VA clinic in Canton after this officer who served with
such distinction and sacrifice, the many veterans who will see his name
will no doubt be inspired by his legacy.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Mrs. Dingell), who serves on the Energy and Commerce
Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.
Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the very distinguished chair of
the Veterans' Affairs Committee, who understands so many of these
issues.
I rise in strong support of H.R. 7903, legislation to designate the
VA clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver Dillard VA
Outpatient Clinic.
I thank my colleague, Haley Stevens, for her leadership and for
listening to all the veterans and getting this piece of legislation to
the floor today. She has listened to them. We will shortly share this
facility. It will be in my district, but the veterans will live in both
of our districts.
The recent opening of a new community-based outpatient clinic in
Canton reaffirms our commitment to Michigan veterans so that they can
access the care and support that they need closer to home. It will
serve many veterans in southeast Michigan.
This legislation would rename the Canton CBOC in honor of Major
General Oliver W. Dillard, a veteran and a trailblazer who served the
Nation for 34 years.
After being drafted to Germany to serve in World War II, Major
General Dillard went on to be the first Black officer to graduate from
the National War College. Throughout his esteemed career, he earned
nine military awards and two civilian medals.
Major General Dillard retired from military service in 1980 and
resided in Canton, Michigan, until he passed. The veterans themselves
from this community and beyond wanted this center to be named after
him.
I am so proud to have worked on this important bipartisan legislation
with my colleague, Representative Stevens. I urge all of my colleagues
to support it.
My colleague and I were there when it had the soft opening. If you
could have seen his family and his colleagues, the veterans he served
with, with tears in their eyes, you would know why this has meaning.
I thank the Michigan delegation for supporting this effort, and I
thank leadership for advancing this to the floor.
Naming the Canton clinic after Major General Dillard means his story
and life will continue to inspire generations to come.
Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Ms. Stevens), another very good friend, who is the author of
this legislation. She serves on the Education and Labor Committee, on
which I also serve, and as the chairwoman of the Research and
Technology Subcommittee on the Science, Space, and Technology
Committee.
Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand before you today to
pay tribute to the heroes who have gone before us and the heroes who
walk among us, our veterans. It is also an honor to be here with my
legislation under the great leadership of the chairman of the Veterans'
Affairs Committee, who leads us so well here in the Congress.
I rise in support of my bill to designate the Department of Veterans
Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the
Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.
Major General Dillard was a trailblazer who exemplified what it means
to be an exceptional serviceman. He began his 34-year military career
in 1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in
Germany as part of the World War II army of occupation.
Following his time in Europe, he attended the infantry Officer
Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he received a commission as
second lieutenant of infantry. In following years, he continued to
climb the ladder.
In 1958, Major General Dillard graduated from the Army Command and
[[Page H8455]]
General Staff College, where he was one of only three Black officers in
his class.
In 1965, Major General Dillard made history by becoming the first
Black officer to graduate from the National War College. He later
served in command and intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and
Vietnam, a most remarkable career.
This includes as the first Black general officer in the Office of the
Assistant Chief of Staff of Intelligence, as deputy chief of staff to
the U.S. Army Forces Command, and as deputy chief of staff of
intelligence for the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe.
During his extraordinary 34 years of service, Major General Dillard
received nine military awards and two civilian medals, including the
Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the
Combat Infantryman's Badge with star.
He retired from military service in 1980 and later passed away in
2015 in Canton, Michigan, where this VA outpatient clinic will reside
and where his son, Oliver, still resides.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of touring this facility
alongside the Dillard family, with my incredible colleague and champion
for this legislation, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who will be
representing Canton in this upcoming Congress.
The naming of the Canton VA clinic is just a small token of our
appreciation and recognition to Major General Dillard for his exemplary
service, leadership, and sacrifice to our Nation.
I know that this VA clinic will serve as a proud commemoration of the
man who dedicated his life to serving others and as an inspiration to
those who will continue to hear his name.
I thank both the Dillard family--in specific, his son, Oliver--and
Congresswoman Dingell for their work and input on this legislation.
I also thank Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak for
her leadership in getting the VA outpatient clinic to its current
place.
I also thank our entire Michigan delegation, as well as the Michigan
American Legion, the Michigan Disabled American Veterans, and the
Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars, for their support on this bill.
I thank my colleagues for their consideration of this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1500
Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I am going to go off script for a moment here and just say that the
more I hear about these veterans that we are honoring here today, they
are just incredible. I want to know more about Major General Dillard
and his Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.
As we are on the heels of Veterans Day this last weekend, the
remarkable bravery that General Dillard must have shown to receive
those awards is staggering, and I would like to come up and see the
clinic in Michigan at some point just to honor the man and meet his
family.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
I share the sentiment of my colleague from Texas. You cannot be
indifferent to the stories as we read the accounts of these great
American heroes. I am personally affected by the part of Major General
Dillard's history in terms of his opposition to Don't Ask, Don't Tell
way before it was overturned. The fact that he himself knew the sting
of discrimination and could not brook that this discrimination would
apply to any other group of Americans is especially poignant to me.
I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan for bringing Major General
Dillard to our attention to memorialize him in the way that she has
done.
I urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 7903, as
amended. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Takano) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 7903, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
The title of H.R. 7903 was amended so as to read: ``A bill to
designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient
clinic located in Canton, Michigan, as the `Major General Oliver W.
Dillard VA Clinic'.''.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________