[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 7243]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO CYNTHIA L. MUNSCH

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to honor a 
North Dakota woman retiring from a long and honorable career dedicated 
to assisting U.S. military veterans throughout Burleigh County in the 
State of North Dakota.
  Cindy Munsch, of rural New Salem, ND, started her professional career 
as a teacher, educating young people on the Standing Rock Reservation, 
in the Bismarck Public Schools, and at United Tribes Technical College.
  In 1985, after 14 years in education, Cindy commenced employment with 
the Burleigh County Veterans Service Office. Initially the office 
secretary, Cindy's outstanding work ethic and duty performance was 
recognized by the Burleigh County Commission with promotion to the 
position of Deputy County Service Officer. She is now retiring after 25 
years of service to our veterans.
  Cindy has assisted thousands of veterans with obtaining needed 
benefits and services. She is recognized by her peers across the State 
as an expert in veterans benefits, and she frequently provides advice 
and counsel at the request of other veterans service providers. She 
also assists in the administration of the veterans transportation 
program, which provides van transport to veterans from western and 
central North Dakota to the VA Regional Medical Center in Fargo.
  Seeing a need for women veterans in the area to have the opportunity 
to address issues and experiences unique to their gender, in 
conjunction with staff from the Bismarck Vet Center, Cindy started a 
Women Veterans Group that meets monthly for the purpose of discussion 
and support, education and community service projects. In addition, 
Cindy cochaired the inaugural Women Veterans Summit, held recently in 
Bismarck, to bring women veterans issues into focus and to provide a 
networking opportunity for women veterans from throughout the State.
  There is no more admirable vocation than one of service to others. 
Cindy Munsch dedicated her professional career to ensuring that our 
service members, who stepped forward to serve the Nation by preserving 
our freedom and way of life, receive the benefits and assistance they 
deserve. I am honored to salute Cindy Munsch for her dedicated and 
selfless service to our veterans for the past 25 years and to 
congratulate her on her retirement from the Burleigh County Veterans 
Service Office.

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