Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) bill renaming the Provo Veterans Center after the late Colonel Gail S. Halvorsen was signed into law today by President Biden.  Col. Halvorsen is affectionately referred to as the ‘Candy Bomber’ for his unique and effective efforts distributing candy to the impoverished children of Berlin during the 1948 Berlin Airlift.  Halvorsen’s compassion, humanitarianism, and community service did not end in 1948.  He dedicated much of his life to serving children, promoting diplomacy between the United States and Germany, and regularly participated in community celebrations and re-enactments of the Candy Bombing of the Berlin Airlift.  While Halvorsen died in February of this year, his legacy continues through the Utah-based Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation.

Sen. Lee is joined by Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) as a Senate cosponsor.  Rep John Curtis (R-UT) leads the effort in the House and is joined by Reps. Chris Stewart (R-UT), Burgess Owens (R-UT), and Blake Moore (R-UT).

Of Col. Halvorsen , Sen. Lee said, “Col. Gail Halvorsen represents the best of Utah and the best values of the Armed Forces.  In times of darkness and despair, Gail Halvorsen brought light and kindness, and his work and legacy continues to this day.  It is an honor to sponsor this bill and to rename the Provo Vet Center after a great Utahn.”

For full text of the bill, click HERE.

A one-pager can be read HERE.