[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E118-E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING PAUL DILLON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2024

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
career and accomplishments of one of southeastern Connecticut's most 
prominent veterans' advocates, Mr. Paul Dillon. Paul has dedicated his 
retirement from his service in the U.S. Navy to being a staunch 
defender of veterans both within his hometown of Gales Ferry, 
Connecticut, and around the southeast region.
  Paul served in the Navy for nearly a quarter century from 1956 to 
1980 and was an exemplary sailor. His service encompassed the Vietnam 
War and his tenure saw him promoted to U.S. Navy Master Chief. After 
service, he became a member of my Veterans Advisory Council, the 
president of the Nautilus Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Navy, 
and more. In 2012, he was befittingly inducted into the CT Veterans' 
Hall of Fame. The efforts he has made to protect and serve his country 
reflect his generosity and patriotism. His selfless commitment to his 
community and to veterans from across the country has undoubtedly 
inspired future generations.
  Paul Dillon courageously and honorably served in the Navy during the 
Vietnam War, putting his life on the line to defend our nation. He was 
a Master Chief Radio Man on the USS Oklahoma City and USS Providence 
for three years. Paul rose to the challenge of working over 18 hour 
days, surrounded by constant fire. The stressful conditions of war were 
no match for Paul's tenacious spirit. He continued to work tirelessly 
to protect our country. His presence was integral to the protection and 
preservation of democracy and every American's liberty.
  Unfortunately, Paul was exposed to Agent Orange during his tours and 
to this day he suffers from the health complications caused from the 
chemical exposure. After his years of active-duty service ended, he 
quickly focused

[[Page E119]]

on advocating for veterans, especially for Blue Water Navy veterans 
like him who suffered from similar service-connected health 
complications. Shockingly, the U.S. Veterans Administration in the 
early 2000's refused to grant ``presumptive eligibility'' for agent 
orange exposure health illness for veterans of AMERICA'S sea services. 
The VA's ``foot on the ground'' rule granted such coverage for Army and 
Marine Corps ground troops creating an outrageous disparity and 
discrimination against Navy and Coast Guard veterans of the Vietnam 
War. It took 17 years of constant advocacy to finally get Congress to 
pass a new law correcting this injustice. Paul's personal experience 
with the lasting impact of exposure served to enhance his advocacy 
ability, giving him a unique understanding of the hardship endured by 
many Vietnam era veterans. It was an honor for me as his congressman to 
help achieve this hard-fought legislative victory as an original 
cosponsor of this measure.
  When he was appointed as the Northeast Regional Vice President of the 
National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS), he worked on behalf 
of other veterans to protect and enhance their earned benefits.
  After his retirement from the Navy, Paul joined Sonalyst Inc. By 
1983, he started at Northeast Utilities as a telecommunication manager 
at Millstone Nuclear Power Station, retiring from his second career in 
1997. One year after his second retirement, Paul started at the Retired 
Activities Office (RAO) at NSB New London where he remains today.
  Paul's sense of modesty and obligation to the Connecticut veteran 
community has been evidenced through his numerous volunteer 
commitments. In addition to his work at the RAO, he participates in 
events to honor the veterans of the district, such as when he lays 
wreaths on graves of veterans at the Jordan Cemetery in Waterford as 
part of Wreaths Across America. Moreover, he served the Co-Chairman of 
Kaps for Kids in Groton. With Kaps for Kids, he visits sick children, 
brightening their days, at a local hospital each Veteran's Day. His 
attentiveness to those experiencing adversity is heartening and 
inspiring.
  I am honored and privileged to know Paul Dillon on a personal level. 
Paul has been an irreplaceable asset as a member of my Veterans 
Advisory Council. His wisdom surrounding veterans issues is extremely 
useful, it is a pleasure to receive his guidance. He is a dear friend 
of my office and frequently assists on myriad issues relating to 
veteran affairs.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize and immortalize the 
continued works of Paul Dillon. In addition to his distinguished 
service career, he has been a mainstay of the veteran community within 
my district. It is no small consolation to know that model citizens 
like Paul continue to inspire future generations. I ask my colleagues 
in the House to join me in commending and thanking Paul Dillon for his 
endless service to the public.

                          ____________________