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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING DR. PATRICK WELCH
______
HON. BRIAN HIGGINS
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr.
Patrick Welch, a Vietnam War veteran who made it his mission in life to
ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
Dr. Welch enlisted into the United States Marine Corps at the young
age of 17 and served in combat as an Infantry Squad Leader with the 3rd
Division during the Vietnam War. He was severely injured on the
battlefield and immobilized for two years. For his service, Dr. Welch
was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Good
Conduct Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, and the New York State Conspicuous
Service Cross.
Like many veterans, when Dr. Welch returned to Buffalo, New York from
the war he was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
He quickly realized that many of his fellow comrades were facing the
same challenges he was. It was at that point that he decided to
dedicate his life to raising awareness about veterans' mental health
and he worked to provide avenues in which they could seek treatment. In
doing so he substantially altered the conversation about the mental
health of veterans in Western New York. He promoted the idea that
mental health isn't a taboo subject but rather a reality for a number
of veterans returning home. He often says ``War doesn't break us, war
changes us.''
Those who know Dr. Welch can attest to the fact that he is a great
leader, educator, and a speaker who uses his skills to advocate for
veterans. Dr. Welch is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of
America, was the Director of Erie County Veterans Services, and the
Director of the Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services at
Daemen College. His most treasured role was helping individual veterans
as a Senior Mentor in the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court. Dr. Welch
currently serves as the Chair of the Community Veterans Engagement
Board of Western New York. He always works closely with our office to
advocate for policies and services that benefit veterans. Dr. Welch
recently joined our Service Academy Advisory Committee to assist those
following in his footsteps to serve our nation. He has built
relationships with many veterans in Western New York behind the scenes.
In doing so he has set a solid precedent for how each one of us should
treat veterans returning home after defending our freedom.
Dr. Welch's extensive work has laid solid groundwork for the next
generation of leaders and advocates. His openness about his personal
struggles has fostered an atmosphere within our community where
veterans feel like they have a safe place to be supported and heal. I
have closely worked with Dr. Patrick Welch for many years so it is my
privilege today to personally thank him for his service and friendship.
____________________
