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.