[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 14] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 19348] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING NEAL SUNDEEN, JOHN ALDECOA AND PAUL GRIFFEN, AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA, ADVOCACY FOR THE G.I. BILL ______ HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL of arizona in the house of representatives Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Neal Sundeen, Mr. John Aldecoa and Mr. Paul Griffen, three individuals from my district whose leadership roles in The American Legion was instrumental in building broad bi-partisan support for the new 21st Century G.I. Bill of Rights. These three men deserve the admiration of their state and nation for their efforts to improve the lives of Veterans. I commend them for their tireless service and sacrifice to this country. This year, with the passage of the G.I. Bill, 1.5 million post-9/11 military veterans will have access to a college education. This legislation will help fulfill the obligation America has to those with honorable wartime service. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations I regard this as the most important piece of veteran's legislation in a generation. I commend Mr. Sundeen, Mr. Aldecoa and Mr. Griffen for their selfless dedication to the advancement of this legislation. These gentlemen have worked in the State of Arizona, as well in Washington, to make their elected officials fully aware of the importance of this bill. The grassroots efforts of these three men will help this new generation of returning servicemembers make a more successful transition back to civilian life. This will not only benefit those veterans, it will also provide a tremendous boost to our nation's economy and productivity. The new G.I. Bill keeps our promise to provide better educational opportunities to the men and women who have valiantly protected this country and its liberties. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing these gentlemen for their efforts and their continued dedication to America's veterans. ____________________