Major General Oliver W. Dillard Va Outpatient Clinic

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand before you today to pay tribute to the heroes who have gone before us and the heroes who walk among us, our veterans. It is also an honor to be here with my legislation under the great leadership of the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, who leads us so well here in the Congress.

I rise in support of my 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 was a trailblazer who exemplified what it means to be an exceptional serviceman. He began his 34-year military career in 1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as part of the World War II army of occupation.

Following his time in Europe, he attended the infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he received a commission as second lieutenant of infantry. In following years, he continued to climb the ladder.

In 1958, Major General Dillard graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College, where he was one of only three Black officers in his class.

In 1965, Major General Dillard made history by becoming the first Black officer to graduate from the National War College. He later served in command and intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam, a most remarkable career.

This includes as the first Black general officer in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff of Intelligence, as deputy chief of staff to the U.S. Army Forces Command, and as deputy chief of staff of intelligence for the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe.

During his extraordinary 34 years of service, Major General Dillard received nine military awards and two civilian medals, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge with star.

He retired from military service in 1980 and later passed away in 2015 in Canton, Michigan, where this VA outpatient clinic will reside and where his son, Oliver, still resides.

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of touring this facility alongside the Dillard family, with my incredible colleague and champion for this legislation, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who will be representing Canton in this upcoming Congress.

The naming of the Canton VA clinic is just a small token of our appreciation and recognition to Major General Dillard for his exemplary service, leadership, and sacrifice to our Nation.

I know that this VA clinic will serve as a proud commemoration of the man who dedicated his life to serving others and as an inspiration to those who will continue to hear his name.

I thank both the Dillard family--in specific, his son, Oliver--and Congresswoman Dingell for their work and input on this legislation.

I also thank Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak for her leadership in getting the VA outpatient clinic to its current place.

I also thank our entire Michigan delegation, as well as the Michigan American Legion, the Michigan Disabled American Veterans, and the Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars, for their support on this bill.

I thank my colleagues for their consideration of this bill.

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