Pubdate: Mon, 25 Feb 2002
Source: Rome News-Tribune (GA)
Copyright: 2002sRome News-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.romenews-tribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1716
Author: Dawn Treglown

BARR COMES BEARING MEDALS

The Representative Also Visits Darlington And Pepperell Schools During His 
Stop In Rome And Floyd Co

Victor J. Veer expressed appreciation to U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, R-Smyrna, as 
he received four medals Monday night for his service during World War II. 
Barr presented Veer with the medals during the congressman's quarterly town 
hall meeting at The Forum in Rome. Veer, of Cartersville, who volunteered 
for the U.S. Army in October of 1942 and fought during World War II, lost 
his medals decades ago.

He said fire destroyed the records that would have enabled him to replace 
his medals. But through the efforts of Linda Shiver, a Barr aide, most of 
Veer's medals were reissued to him Monday. Barr's office said it is still 
working on obtaining a Purple Heart, which Veer would have received for 
injuries in the Battle of New Guinea.

He said Veer fought all around the world for his country. "To a lot of 
young people, they are just exotic places," the congressman said. "But to 
the people who fought, they were locations - places where some of the 
bloodiest battles took place."

Barr thanked Veer for what he did "for the United States of America and the 
cause of freedom." Veer thanked Barr and Shiver for the medals and the 
efforts taken to get them for him. "I didn't do anything that thousands of 
others didn't do," Veer said.

He added, "I love this country, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the 
world."

Barr also recognized Roman Steve Edwards and his wife, Marie, as "Citizens 
of the Month" for their efforts to help families with their natural gas 
bills. In October of 2001, Steve Edwards spearheaded the program "One 
Family Helping One Family" after his wife suggested that he help one family 
to pay its natural gas bill rather than buy her a Christmas present. 
Edwards also was presented with an official page of the Congressional 
Record where Barr detailed Edwards' efforts to Congress.

Edwards said, "I've learned at a late stage in life that it's truly more 
blessed to give than to receive. I've also learned that there are a lot of 
good people in our community." Edwards said as of Monday, the program had 
raised more than $125,000 and helped more than 219 families.

"That's an average gas bill payment of $512," he said. He said it was 
amazing how people in the community are willing to help people who are less 
fortunate. He added, "This is the greatest place to live in the world - 
Rome, Georgia."

During his stop in Rome, Barr also visited schools at Darlington and 
Pepperell, where students questioned him.

During those stops, the congressman said, younger children predominantly 
asked questions and voiced concerns about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 
Barr said teen-agers who questioned him focused on the nuts and bolts of 
politics, the anti-drug movement and redistricting issues. For more 
information on Barr and issues concerning his office, visit his Web site at 
http://www.house.gov/barr.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens