[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    DEPARTURE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY R. JAMES 
                               NICHOLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 29, 2007

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor and bid farewell to a 
distinguished leader and patriot, the Honorable R. James Nicholson, 
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  Throughout his life, Secretary Nicholson has been a devoted servant 
to his country and fellow citizens. His bio is a classic American story 
that illustrates the potential each individual holds as a result of the 
liberty and freedom we cherish in this great Nation.
  Secretary Nicholson's deeply held faith and hard work ethic reflect 
his heritage. One of seven children, he left his family and the 
peaceful Iowa farm on which he was raised, to graduate from the United 
States Military Academy at West Point. During his 8 years on active 
duty, Secretary Nicholson served as an Army officer and Airborne Ranger 
in the Republic of Vietnam. He also served in the Army Reserves for 22 
years, retiring with the rank of colonel.
  In addition to a distinguished military career, Secretary Nicholson 
holds an impressive list of academic accomplishments. He holds a 
master's degree from Columbia University and a law degree from the 
University of Denver. Secretary Nicholson was also successful as an 
entrepreneur and political activist. He established a thriving business 
in Denver, and ascended to become chairman and chief executive officer 
of the Republican National Committee.
  In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him Ambassador to the 
Holy See. Secretary Nicholson was subsequently knighted by Pope John 
Paul II in 2003 for his advocacy on a number of humanitarian issues.
  Secretary Nicholson's life of service to others culminated in his 
appointment as head of the second largest Cabinet Department. As 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, he proved to be a tireless and 
innovative advocate for his fellow veterans.
  Our Nation will be eternally grateful for his devotion to the men and 
women who have defended our freedom and way of life. Secretary 
Nicholson decided to leave Government service to pursue other 
interests, and fulfilled his final day as VA Secretary on September 30, 
2007.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing 
the tremendous career of Secretary Nicholson and to thank him for his 
leadership and honorable service to our country. I wish him and his 
wife, Suzanne, the very best of luck and happiness during the next 
chapter of their lives.

                          ____________________