Sherwood Boehlert: “today we are saluting a genuine American hero, Don Mitchell. Let me tell you a little bit about the man. Don Mitchell…”

“today we are saluting a genuine American hero, Don Mitchell. Let me tell you a little bit about the man. Don Mitchell served with great distinction in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1946 as an aviator, then returned home, only to return to the military in the Korean conflict, where he served as a flight instructor. After that service, he returned back home to his beloved Herkimer, New York. His talents were recognized. His talent for leadership, his vision, were recognized by the people of Herkimer. First they elected him a town councilman. Then they elected him mayor. But his talents were such and so obvious that he was obviously destined for higher office, and higher office came. He was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he served with great distinction for 8 years, and, once again, as they say, cream rises to the top, and before long, Don Mitchell was Majority Whip of the New York State Assembly, a leadership position. So here is a distinguished American who had served in World War II, served in Korea, served as a town councilman, then a mayor, then in the State Assembly, and was beginning to think perhaps he had done his share. But the people of Central New York would not have it, because they insisted that his talents go far beyond the community and the State, and he was elected to the United States Congress, where he served with great distinction for 10 years.”