Political Quotes

“I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer my support of H.R. 3197, a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, the Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Private First Class Joe Mann served with the 101st Airborne division during World War II. He lost his life in the Netherlands, courageously absorbing the blast of a hand grenade with his body to protect those around him while in battle. Later, in 1954, Private First Class Mann received the Medal of Honor. Platoon Sergeant Bruce Grandstaff also received the Medal of Honor after his death. Having served in Vietnam, Sergeant Grandstaff found his platoon surrounded by the enemy near the Cambodia border and crawled through the front lines to save his comrades. Despite his wounds, he was able to notify the U.S. helicopters of their location and valiantly called for artillery in order to prevent the enemy from advancing. Private First Class Mann and Sergeant Grandstaff went above and beyond the call of duty and made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. It is most appropriate that the VA Medical Center in Spokane be renamed in honor of these two heroes. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”