[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 24338]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. CHARLES E. LEA

 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, today I wish to speak about the 
life of a truly outstanding Missourian. On October 7, 2008, this nation 
lost a son, a soldier, and a community servant when Dr. Charles E. Lea 
of Lexington, MO, passed away. While we mourn his passing, we are 
extraordinarily grateful for all that he gave to his community, his 
State, and his country during his lifetime.
  I believe that Dr. Lea is a wonderful example and reminder of the 
brave men and women who have served our country in the past and 
continue to serve it today in this time of great need.
  In 1957, Dr. Lea graduated from the United States Military Academy at 
West Point, and after putting himself through medical school at the 
University of Missouri, volunteered for service in Vietnam. Widely 
regarded and recognized as a humble servant, Dr. Lea was awarded the 
Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Soldier's Medal, four Air Medals, 
the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Combat 
Medical Badge, and the Parachutist Badge for his service.
  While awards and commendations obviously show a great deal about a 
person, I am a believer that the strength of a person's character is 
revealed in his or her daily actions. Those who knew Dr. Lea best 
shared an anecdote with me regarding his time in Vietnam. Dr. Lea was 
featured in newspapers and on television here at home for his efforts 
during the war to save a village elephant that had been shot. Seemingly 
insignificant at the time, those efforts placed the United States, and 
our servicemen and women, in high regard in the eyes of the Vietnamese 
village. This small effort, not part of his duty or orders, but 
undertaken by a man trying to make a difference, had an extensive 
impact.
  Following his military service, Dr. Lea became a general practice 
family physician and served countless families in Oklahoma and Missouri 
throughout his medical career.
  As I reflect on Dr. Lea's life today, I am reminded not only of the 
value of his personal service and sacrifice, but of the committed 
service and selfless sacrifice of all the men and women who have served 
this country in uniform. America owes a large debt to all of the 
remarkable men and women who have served this great nation. I would 
like to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Lea and his family, and in 
remembrance of his life and his service, my utmost gratitude goes to 
all those who have served.

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