Durbin Statement on Bob Michael Department of VA Outpatient Clinic

DURBIN STATEMENT ON BOB MICHEL DEPARTMENT OF VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) participated in a ceremony on Saturday to rename the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Peoria, IL, the Bob Michel Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in honor of former House Minority Leader Robert H. Michel. Durbin was the Senate sponsor of legislation calling for the renaming. Rep. Ray LaHood, who authored the legislation, sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives.

"Bob Michel's interest in veterans' affairs began when he served in the Army's 39th Infantry Regiment, fighting on Normandy Beach during World War II. Wounded by machine gun fire during the Battle of the Bulge, he was discharged from the military as a disabled veteran after earning The Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, and four Battle Stars," said Durbin.

"Michel began his life of public service in 1957, serving the citizens of the 18th District of Illinois in the House of Representatives. Because of his hard work and dedication to his constituents, he was elected minority whip and eventually House minority leader. He was also actively involved in the creation of several pieces of legislation that dealt with veterans' affairs, including a resolution that helped to remove obstacles to employment of partially disabled persons honorably discharged from the Armed Forces," said Durbin.

"A veteran himself, Michel understands the need for quality health care for those who served in the military. He used his prominent position in the House of Representatives to lead the effort to establish a VA clinic in Peoria. The clinic we're visiting today now serves up to 10,000 veterans a year, in as many as 12 counties in central Illinois. It also offers a variety of services for veterans, including medical and mental health services, ophthalmology, audiology and assistance for the homeless," said Durbin.

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=239695&&