[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5691]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING RETIRED STATE SENATORS ALLEN PAUL AND JOHNNY NUGENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Messer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of two 
extraordinary Indiana State legislators: Senators Allen Paul and Johnny 
Nugent. These two close friends have served the State of Indiana for 
decades.
  I want to personally thank them for all of their hard work and 
recognize them for their many accomplishments.
  First, let me tell you a little bit about Senator Allen Paul. Allen 
volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1967 and is a decorated Vietnam 
veteran. He was awarded the Bronze Star for saving a man's life and 
also earned a Combat Infantry Badge and four Air Medals.
  After being honorably discharged from the Army, Allen was elected to 
the State senate in 1986, where he was a tireless advocate for military 
members and their families. He passed important legislation to help 
veterans receive a college degree and supported legislation to offer 
in-state tuition for veterans.
  Senator Paul has the distinction of being the first legislator from 
eastern Indiana to serve in a leadership position within his caucus. 
During his 28-year tenure in the senate, he served as majority whip, 
chairman of the Insurance Committee and chair of the Financial 
Institutions Committee. His political savvy and institutional knowledge 
will certainly be missed by his colleagues in the State legislature.
  Senator Paul's dear friend Senator Johnny Nugent has also decided to 
retire after more than 30 years in office. He too is a veteran of the 
U.S. Army and Army Reserve.
  At the age of 26, Johnny was elected Dearborn County commissioner, 
the youngest commissioner ever elected in Indiana. As a State senator, 
Johnny Nugent held numerous leadership positions, including majority 
floor leader, chair of the Agricultural and Small Business Committee 
and ranking member of the Insurance and Financial Institutions 
Committee.
  Senator Nugent has been a tireless defender of the Second Amendment 
and served two terms on the NRA's board of directors. During his tenure 
in the senate, he successfully sponsored Indiana's ``Castle Doctrine,'' 
as well as the Nation's first lifetime concealed-carry permit.
  Senator Nugent is also known for his involvement in his local 
community. He is a member of the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce 
and the southeastern Indiana Shrine Club. He also served on the 
Dearborn County Hospital board of trustees.
  Both Allen Paul and Johnny Nugent serve as shining examples of what 
it means to be a public servant. I ask the entire Sixth Congressional 
District to join me in recognizing these two outstanding Hoosier 
legislators.
  I have no doubt these great men will bring the same commitment, 
dedication, and enthusiasm that they have had during their service to 
their constituents and their communities, and apply that in the next 
chapter of their lives.

                          ____________________