[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16949]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LARRY WILCOX

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
offer my heartfelt congratulations to Larry Wilcox who is retiring as 
superintendent of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot 
Springs, SD. The retirement is effective November 14, 2013.
  Born in Burke, Larry grew up in Winner, SD. After graduating from 
Winner High School in the mid-1960s, Larry joined the South Dakota Army 
National Guard. He remained in the National Guard for nearly four 
decades, including 26 years in the Medical Services Corps. A Gulf War 
veteran, Larry rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring 
in 2003.
  Larry's service to our State continued when he was named 
superintendent of South Dakota's only State Veterans Home in May 2004 
by Maj. Gen. Michael Gorman. He has provided excellent stewardship of 
the State Veterans Home, including overseeing plans to construct a new 
facility. On November 11, 1889, the cornerstone for the first State 
Home was laid in Hot Springs. The much-anticipated groundbreaking for a 
new South Dakota Veterans Home was held in late September 2013. 
Thousands of veterans and their families have enjoyed the services of 
the State Veterans Home over these many years. Aging veterans have 
found solace on the beautiful, aesthetic grounds of the State Veterans 
Home and have benefited from the dedicated medical care and support 
services provided.
  Larry has played a major role in providing consistent and superior 
levels of care and comfort to veterans at the State Home during his 
time as superintendent. He has been passionate about providing the 
highest degree of compassionate care, understanding and service to the 
residents. Larry is a strong advocate for the Veterans Home, promoting 
the importance of the Veterans Home to the general public and making 
sure the congressional delegation is aware of any challenges veterans 
may face. Over the years I have appreciated Larry's insight on issues 
and the open line of communication between our offices.
  I thank Larry for all he has done for veterans in South Dakota and 
wish him all the best in his retirement.

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