[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING RICHARD SILVER'S 55 YEARS OF SERVICE

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 1997

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard 
Silver's 55 years of service to our Nation and its veterans.
  Mr. Silver is currently the director of the James Haley VA Medical 
Center in Tampa, FL. Since 1979, he has guided what is, in my opinion, 
one of the best VA medical facilities in the country. The Center serves 
veterans from around my home State of Florida and provides them with 
the quality care they deserve. He has used an active teaching role and 
close professional relationship with the University of South Florida 
College of Medicine.
  Before coming to Tampa, Richard served in the same position at the 
Brockton and Northampton VA Medical Centers in Massachusetts. He has 
also served as the assistant hospital director at East Orange, NJ, and 
was director of personnel service in the Department of Medicine and 
Surgery at the VA Central Office. In total, he has over 55 years of 
service to our country.
  In addition to devoting his life to the care of our Nation's 
veterans, Mr. Silver also served in the U.S. Army as a captain while he 
was assigned to the Combat Engineers in the South Pacific.
  Richard has devoted his life to protecting our Nation and those who 
answered the call in its time of need. He has an exemplary career of 
service that is worthy of recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Richard Silver and wish him 
continued success in his work at the Tampa VA.

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