[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24403]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      THE BOB GATES WELCOME CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob 
Gates, a man who has dedicated years of his life to bring joy to the 
men and women of the Armed Forces and for whom the dedication of the 
new welcome center at the Bob Hope Village is named after. The village 
is a compassionate place providing a home for the surviving spouses of 
enlisted Air Force personnel.
  It is my privilege, as Mr. Gates' Congressman, to honor this great 
American. Since 1968, Bob Gates has lived in Fort Walton Beach, 
Florida, near Eglin Air Force Base. Mr. Gates is the former mayor of 
Fort Walton Beach, a family man, and a man who served his country by 
piloting Bob Hope's troupe around the world during WWII, in efforts to 
raise troop morale. Mr. Gates was more than just a pilot for the 
comedian, but he was also one of his closest friends, a confidant, and 
a fishing buddy.
  It was through Mr. Gates' healthy financial contribution that this 
new welcome center is made possible. Although, Mr. Gates altruistically 
mentions, ``It was Bob doing 12 shows here for me that raised the money 
to get this all started. So our little town of Fort Walton Beach has a 
very close affinity to the Hope family, more so than any other town.'' 
Bob Gates has done wonders for our local community. He genuinely cares 
about surviving military spouses, shares memories of his past 
adventures, and spreads warmth and joy to all he meets.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
thank Bob Gates for his leadership in Northwest Florida and throughout 
the world. He has dedicated himself towards helping the residents in 
our local community and for that we will be forever grateful. On this 
occasion, we honor one of America's greatest.

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