Patrick Ryan Leaves Hill
An evening reception was held on Capitol Hill November 17 to
honor Patrick E. Ryan as he retired from government service and
moved to an opportunity in the private sector.
Most recently, Pat worked in the position of Staff Director for
the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, but his service to veterans
and legislative affecting them dates back to the early 1980s.
He served in a number of capacities on the Committee and on several
Congressional staffs. Pat was highly respected by his colleagues
and by Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs).
Those giving tributes to Pat were Committee Deputy Chief Counsel
Kingston Smith, Senior Counsel Robert Cober of the Office of the
Legislative Counsel, and DAV Executive Director David Gorman (representing
VSOs). Secretary Principi presented Pat with the Award for Exceptional
Service, VA’s highest honor. Committee Chairman Chris Smith
read a House Resolution honoring his service.
BVA presented Pat with a plaque with the following engraving:
"In recognition of more than 20 years of extraordinary service
to America’s veterans and their families. As both a staff
member and as Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the House Committee
on Veterans Affairs, your commitment and dedication to specialized
service for severely disabled veterans have highlighted your tenure.
Blinded veterans have been among the richest beneficiaries of
your compassion and outstanding leadership."
Other Pending Legislation
Three veterans bills are still awaiting action by the House,
and passage is expected during the lame-duck session. Of most
interest to BVA is H.R. 3936. This is primarily a health care
bill that contains numerous provisions. BVA is particularly interested
in the H.R. 3936 provision that would establish blind centers.
The legislation would also expand the mission of the major Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI) programs to carry out research. It would also
mandate the development of new treatment interventions and care
for service personnel with multiple traumatic injuries suffered
as a result of a blast in combat.
The expanded mission would also include additions to the number
of professional staff members, including blind rehabilitation
specialists, and greater expertise among those working in blind
centers. A number of soldiers and Marines wounded in Iraq have
suffered blast injuries that have caused multiple disabilities.
Such disabilities include those resulting from blindness, amputation,
and brain injury.
The Blinded Veterans Association’s
Board of Directors
and National Headquarters Staff
wish all BVA members
and friends of the Association
a Joyous Holiday Season.
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