[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Pages 22687-22688]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      TRIBUTE TO H. MELVIN NAPIER

 Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I would like to rise today to pay 
tribune to one of Idaho and America's finest veterans, H. Melvin 
``Mel'' Napier, of Boise, ID.
  There is no question Mel Napier is a true American patriot and a 
leader, from his participation in the military, to his work on behalf 
of veterans, to his contributions in the community. The Air Force has a 
very special tradition in Idaho, and Mel has long been part of that 
tradition. Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict, 
Mel served 4 years on active duty and 8 years in the Air Force Reserves 
as a meteorologist. He has also been a

[[Page 22688]]

stalwart veteran advocate. His active membership and leadership in the 
American Legion led him to be selected to be National Vice Commander in 
1982-83. In 1983, Mel began his service as State Adjutant for the 
Legion, and he has served in that capacity until this September.
  Mel's service to our country makes it clear that he has never been 
afraid of challenges, hardships or hard work. Idaho is privileged to 
have Mel and his family as residents. I am honored to stand before the 
Senate today and tell my colleagues about Mel; however, I do this with 
mixed emotions. Mel Napier recently stepped down as State Adjutant for 
the American Legion, a position he held for 16 years. It is a special 
individual indeed who commits to that kind of service on behalf of all 
the men and women in uniform who have proudly served our great nation.
  In sum, I would like to thank Mel for his tremendous contribution to 
our country, and most of all, to America's veterans. I know that Mel 
will not be leaving the American Legion, or ending his service to 
veterans because he will no longer serve as State Adjutant, but I do 
think that this is a very appropriate time to give Mel our thanks and 
show our gratitude for his service.
  Mr. Napier, thank you, congratulations, and Godspeed.

                          ____________________