Haley Stevens: “It is an honor to stand before you today to pay tribute to the heroes who have gone before us and the heroes who walk…”

“It is an honor to stand before you today to pay tribute to the heroes who have gone before us and the heroes who walk among us, our veterans. It is also an honor to be here with my legislation under the great leadership of the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, who leads us so well here in the Congress. I rise in support of my bill to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Canton, Michigan, as the Major General Oliver W. Dillard VA Outpatient Clinic. Major General Dillard was a trailblazer who exemplified what it means to be an exceptional serviceman. He began his 34-year military career in 1945 when he was assigned to the 349th Field Artillery Group in Germany as part of the World War II army of occupation. Following his time in Europe, he attended the infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, where he received a commission as second lieutenant of infantry. In following years, he continued to climb the ladder. In 1958, Major General Dillard graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College, where he was one of only three Black officers in his class. In 1965, Major General Dillard made history by becoming the first Black officer to graduate from the National War College. He later served in command and intelligence positions in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam, a most remarkable career.…”