Major General Oliver W. Dillard Va Outpatient Clinic
Floor Speech
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7903, as amended, a bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic.
Major General Dillard began his 34-year career in 1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as part of the post-World War II army of occupation.
In 1947, he attended the infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he received a commission as a second lieutenant. He then went on to serve in command and intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.
In 1965, Major General Dillard became the first Black officer to graduate from the National War College.
Major General Dillard served in many distinguished capacities until his retirement in 1980. Not only did he break down numerous barriers over his career, but he held various esteemed positions, earned military medals, to include the Silver and Bronze Stars, and multiple civilian awards.
By naming the VA clinic in Canton after this officer who served with such distinction and sacrifice, the many veterans who will see his name will no doubt be inspired by his legacy.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
I am going to go off script for a moment here and just say that the more I hear about these veterans that we are honoring here today, they are just incredible. I want to know more about Major General Dillard and his Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.
As we are on the heels of Veterans Day this last weekend, the remarkable bravery that General Dillard must have shown to receive those awards is staggering, and I would like to come up and see the clinic in Michigan at some point just to honor the man and meet his family.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source