[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5] [Senate] [Pages 5887-5888] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING ROBERT J. O'MALLEY Mr. REID. Mr. President, every one of our servicemembers deserves the unqualified appreciation and admiration of the Senate and our entire Nation. Today, I wish to salute the service of one such soldier, a man who first answered his country's call in World War II and has not stopped. Bob O'Malley served our Nation with distinction in the 10th Mountain Division in combat in Europe. He was a sergeant and a squad leader who led his men bravely and with honor. He put his life on the line on many occasions to protect his men and to fight for freedom against Nazi Germany and was recognized with his squad's admiration, the Combat Infantry Badge and, because he was wounded, a Purple Heart. But he has not stopped serving his country. Bob came to Washington in 1965 and worked for Congressman Robert Sweeney before starting a 27- year career with the Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives. That is where I first met him, as a young Member of Congress. The Doorkeeper, Mr. Molloy, and Mr. O'Malley, had a suite of offices and it was kind of a hangout for Democratic Members of the House; especially it was a way for new Members of the Congress to become acquainted with what was going on over there. They were very caring about new Members and always pointed us in the right direction. I have always remembered those two men for all the good deeds they did on my behalf. His was a 27-year career with the Doorkeeper. As I indicated, that is where I met him. By the time the war in Afghanistan started in 2002, Bob had retired from service in the House of Representatives. Most retirees are content to seek a well-earned life of leisure, but Sergeant O'Malley did not. He signed up for a new and worthy mission, waking every day to serve our Nation's wounded warriors. When the war started, he went back to work as a volunteer--again a volunteer-- supporting and caring for the men and women of the 10th Mountain Division, his old unit. He has made countless visits to Walter Reed, this great medical center where these wounded warriors come to recuperate. On all these visits to Walter Reed, he spent countless hours talking and sharing stories about the Division and taking his fellow veterans to ball games and other events, including the sharing of meals on many occasions. When many of these wounded warriors could not make it home for the holiday, Bob would reach into his own pocket and pay for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years dinners for soldiers and their families at some of the finest eateries in the Washington, [[Page 5888]] DC, area. Bob says that helping soldiers recover from their war injuries has added years to his life. We know it has added years to the lives of those he helps. Bob O'Malley would be the first to tell you this is not a one-man mission. He has had help from many different areas. When he decided to help those wounded on the battlefield, for example, he enlisted the help of another veteran, Dom Visconsi, Sr., an original member of the 10th Mountain Division in World War II. He asked Dom to help and Dom was happy to help entertain and support these troops. Many of Bob's friends soon joined the cause as well, and they are a constant presence for the soldiers, whether here or at home. Our Army would not be the best place in the world without the work of veterans such as Sergeant O'Malley, whose life has been synonymous with service, sacrifice, and selflessness. He is an inspiration to me, our Armed Forces, and our country. He is a hero, and I am proud to call him a friend. Would the Chair announce morning business now. ____________________