Honoring Minnesota's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Jeffrey Olson

HONORING MINNESOTA'S COMMISSIONER OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, JEFFREY OLSON -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 18, 2004)

Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant, patriot and tireless advocate for veterans-Jeffrey Olson, Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.

Commissioner Olson announced this week that he will be retiring at the end of the year from his post as commissioner which he served since 2001. Prior to this appointment, he served as deputy commissioner since 1983. At both posts, Commissioner Olson has worked to ensure that the needs of our veterans and soldiers are a priority.

Commissioner Olson brought much experience through his work as a Washington County Veterans Service Officer and the Assistant Director of the Veterans Employment and Training Service at the University of Minnesota.

During the Vietnam War, Jeff Olson served in the U.S. Army, attached to the United States Armed Forces Courier Service where he was responsible for preparing and transporting top-secret materials.

Long a champion of Minnesota veterans, Jeff Olson is a member of numerous veterans' organizations and serves as Chair of the American Legion's National Convention Commission, Vice Chair of the National Legislature Council and is actively involved in the community.

I personally worked with Jeff Olson on many issues. When he was deputy commissioner, he helped me pass an important amendment to the Minnesota constitution that provided our Gulf War veterans with a bonus for their service.

I thank Jeff for his years of service on behalf of our veterans and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.