[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 15732] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN HONOR OF MINNESOTA'S NEW VFW STATE COMMANDER, STAN KOWALSKI ______ HON. MICHELE BACHMANN of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 22, 2008 Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Minnesota's new VFW Commander, Stan Kowalski, who was officially installed last month at a ceremony in Moorhead, Minnesota. As the VFW has itself noted, Stan Kowalski may very well be the last state commander nationwide to emerge from that Greatest Generation, veterans of the Second World War. Though he numbers in years 82, Stan Kowalski is a vibrant, active, energetic citizen. In fact, he's made no secret of the fact that he entertains the idea of running for National Commander of the VFW in the future. Kowalski is a strong advocate for those who once and those who now wear the uniform. He has been a frequent visitor to Camp Ripley and the Air Force Reserves' 934th Airlift Wing to see our troops headed off overseas. He's organized VFW post dinners for families of deployed Marines. And, he's served on the VFW's national POW/MIA Council. In fact, he gave the eulogy when PFC Robert Cahow returned home from Germany to Clear Lake, Wisconsin, after 57 years missing. Kowalski has shown a particularly great deal of compassion for those of his comrades who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing a time of need. He has noted that during his tenure as state commander, he will work closely with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to help the estimated 700 homeless veterans across Minnesota. He calls those veterans a ``Lost Brigade'' and notes that his mission is ``making sure they get found and get the help they need.'' While his commitment to his fellow veterans runs strong and deep, he has also served his community in other ways. He was a longtime member of the School Board in Spring Lake Park District 16, a Little League coach, an Olympic torch carrier, and a 9/11 memorial organizer. Stan Kowalski, who many know from his 26-year career as a pro-wrestler with 19 major titles, has been a prolific fundraiser for efforts ranging from the Greater Twin Cities United Way to the ROTC to Save Our Sports for the University of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I join all of Minnesota in paying tribute to the great energy and good works of Commander Stan Kowalski. ____________________