[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12251]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   DAN DANIEL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2006, the organizers of the Dan 
Daniel Charity Golf Tournament, held their 18th tournament at the 
Andrews Air Force Base Golf facility, named for our beloved and honored 
colleague from Virginia who died serving his 10th term in Congress. Dan 
Daniel's unqualified support for the fighting men and women of this 
nation is legendary.
  Dan was the first Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, House Armed 
Services Committee and also served as the Chairman of the Morale, 
Welfare and Recreation Panel. He was a man who cared deeply about 
military readiness and quality of life issues, (exchanges, 
commissaries, child care centers, bowling alleys, libraries, and golf 
courses).
  Dan was an avid golfer; and while this tournament is held in his 
honor . . . it is for the men and women who wear the uniform of the 
United States. This year, the tournament, together with Averett 
University, of Danville, Virginia, and the Professional Golf 
Association of America (PGA) hosted numerous special heroes from the 
Walter Reed Army Hospital and the Bethesda Naval Center to a special 
day of fun, relaxation, golf and dinner. The former Chairman of the 
Joint Chief of Staff, General Richard Meyer and Mrs. Meyer joined in 
the day's festivities to salute our troops. Mr. Speaker, all who played 
with these wounded warriors feel deeply humbled and proud.
  All funds generated by this tournament are spent at the Andrews Air 
Force Base facility to support the base morale, welfare and recreation 
activities. Profits from the tournament are directed to supporting 
military scholarship programs. This tournament has strong support from 
the Congress, business and military resale community.
  Our Nation is strong because of the brave members of the Armed 
Forces. Those with us from Walter Reed and Bethesda are among a very 
special group who have demonstrated, through their personal courage and 
sacrifice that our nation remains strong and determined. These proud 
patriots continue to inspire this generation of America.
  The PGA is a true friend of our military forces and their families. 
We often see pictures of our soldiers hitting golf balls in the deserts 
of Afghanistan, Iraq and off ships at sea. The PGA constantly provides 
guidance, instruction, training and certification to our military golf 
managers and golf course operators.
  Mr. Paul Bogin, Chief Operating Officer of the PGA, is retiring at 
the end of June. Mr. Paul Bogin's outstanding leadership has 
significantly advanced the interest of golf, especially in the Special 
Olympics, The National Amputee Golf Outings, minority golf and inner 
city youth programs. His leadership has improved all aspects of 
military golf, both here at home and also at bases located overseas. 
The military courses operate with nonappropriated funds and at no 
expense to the taxpayer.
  The PGA and National Amputee Golf Association conduct clinics at 
Veterans Hospitals and teach physical therapist how to use golf as a 
rehabilitative program for the disabled. Efforts are now underway to 
develop a program for our wounded military.
  Mr. Bogin's dedication, leadership and devotion have improved the 
game of golf, individual golfers, and the military. Mr. Speaker, I 
applaud the founders and supporters of this great golf event and I 
congratulate the PGA, sponsors and players, especially our wounded 
warriors who played in this tournament. I wish Paul Bogin continued 
success, best wishes and a happy retirement.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the organizers of the 
Dan Daniel Golf Tournament, and Mr. Bogin, for their continuing 
dedication to our military forces.

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