Max Baucus: “I rise today to honor a Vietnam war hero who is no longer with us. His name was Larry Mitchell Cook of Kalispell, MT. I…”

“I rise today to honor a Vietnam war hero who is no longer with us. His name was Larry Mitchell Cook of Kalispell, MT. I also rise to praise the work of his brave 11-year-old daughter, Heather Cook. Earlier this year I received a letter from Heather. Heather explained how her father had been exposed to agent orange in Vietnam. As a result of this exposure, Larry contacted an incurable disease known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Heather went on to say how proud she was of her father and that she thought her dad deserved a medal for his bravery and honorable service. I could not agree with her more. On behalf of the Cook family, I contacted the Department of Defense, explained this unfortunate situation and asked them to award the medals Larry earned to his survivors. I am pleased to report that today Heather and her mother will receive three medals in recognition of Larry's undaunted service to this country. In closing, I want to thank Heather for giving me the opportunity to help her. Every Member of the Senate knows how rewarding it is when our work makes a difference in the lives of the people we work for. But it is particularly gratifying when it is a young person, like Heather, who takes the initiative to right a wrong. Finally, on behalf of all Americans, I want to thank her father, Larry Mitchell Cook, for making the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all live in a better world.”