September 24, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 154 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Pages S5662-S5663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING COLONEL GARY ALLEN JONES

 Mr. PERDUE. Madam President, sadly, the State of Georgia has 
said goodbye to one of its finest sons, COL (ret) Gary Allen Jones of 
Columbus.
  Bonnie and I offer our deepest condolences to Gary's family, friends, 
and colleagues.
  Gary served as a member of my Georgia strategic military advisory 
group, where he provided me and my staff with valuable insight, advice, 
and encouragement.
  I first met Gary during a visit to Fort Benning in 2016, and I had 
the good pleasure of meeting him many times after that. I was always 
struck by Gary's warmth, his wisdom, and his stalwart dedication to 
service. No matter who you are, Gary treated you like a friend. He 
always went out of his way to help.
  Gary was the epitome of a servant hero.
  Like many brave Americans, Gary heeded the call of duty and entered 
the Armed Services. While in the Army, he received many prestigious 
awards, including the Silver Star, for his bravery and dedication to 
service. In 2018, Gary

[[Page S5663]]

was awarded the Fort Benning Commanding General's Award for Public 
Service.
  Gary's dedication extended far beyond his time in the military. He 
was always a tireless advocate for his community, holding leadership 
positions in organizations like the Greater Columbus Chamber of 
Commerce, the Historic Chattahoochee River Club, and the Columbus 
Uptown Board, among many others. In addition, Gary was a leader in his 
local church.
  The Columbus area and the entire State of Georgia have been made 
better thanks in large part to people like Gary.
  As we mourn Gary's passing, we should recognize his incredible 
legacy. It is one of warmth, decency, service, and honor.

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