Jerry Moran: “this afternoon I rise here on the Senate floor to recognize a fellow Kansan, to honor the life of a soldier, a servant…”

“this afternoon I rise here on the Senate floor to recognize a fellow Kansan, to honor the life of a soldier, a servant, a great man, Olen Mitchell. While Olen was born in Oklahoma, Kansas is the place he called home, and we are honored to call him our own. Growing up in Western Kansas teaches you a lot about discipline, service, and hard work, and I know that Olen's time in Elkhart and Hutchinson, KS, taught him valuable lessons. The values he learned in Western Kansas provided him with a love of country and taught him to love his neighbors as himself. His character was further defined alongside thousands of other young men like him who fought in World War II. Olen received a Purple Heart after being shot 2 weeks before D-Day in 1944 during his service in Italy. Even after being injured, he continued his service to his country in the military police. After his service, Olen received a Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and several other medals and service ribbons. In June of last year, I had the opportunity to call Olen on the 80th anniversary of D-Day while he was visiting Normandy and seeing the beaches of France. It was my honor to thank him for his service during World War II and let him know how much of a privilege it was to know him and his story. The ``greatest generation'' has left a permanent impact on the world, and that is why the loss of another World War II veteran is cause for mourning in this Nation and around the globe.…”