Category: Press Releases

Sen. Ed Harbison Presented with Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award

ATLANTA (January 21, 2016) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on January 18, 2016.

The award was presented as part of the 30th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award Breakfast at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. The theme of the event was “Keeping the Dream Alive: A Call to Service for the Greater Good.”

“I am proud to be the recipient of such a prestigious award, but let us not forget the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement; people like my mother, who will never be honored with any award,” said Sen. Harbison. “We can use this award as a call to action to never stop trying to bridge the barriers in our communities, just as Dr. King would want us to do.”

Sen. Harbison was recognized for his many contributions to the Columbus community, including his service as a former member of the Muscogee County School Board. He was also named one of the 50 most influential African-Americans in Columbus.

The MLK Jr. Unity Award was established “to recognize the contributions of an individual who has made a positive impact on the community by fostering harmonious racial and cultural relations.”

Sen. Ed Harbison to Honor Fellow Georgia Vietnam Veterans

ATLANTA (September 30 , 2015)  |  Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) has been asked to participate in two ceremonies in Columbus, Ga. to award Vietnam Veterans with certificates and pins to show appreciation for their dedication and service.

“I am deeply honored to share my support and the community’s appreciation of my fellow military men and women, and I thank them for allowing me the opportunity to do so,” said Sen. Harbison. “As a United States Marine Corps Veteran, I understand the dedication and sacrifice these heroes have made, and I look forward to providing recognition where it is greatly deserved.”

The first “Certificate and Pin” ceremony will be hosted by the Retired Sergeants Major Association on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 9 a.m., and will take place at the Columbus Community Events Center on Steam Mill Road. The second will be hosted by Eddie I. Roberts American Legion Post 333 on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Faith Tabernacle Community Church.

Sen. Harbison was chosen to present at these events because of his service to his community, the state of Georgia and to the United States. He will be joined by The Georgia Department of Veterans Service in support of the “Certificate & Pin” events on both Saturdays.

Sen. Ed Harbison Salutes Life of Georgia Veteran and Friend

ATLANTA (April 22 , 2015)  |  Georgia Veterans Affairs Commissioner and World War II Veteran, Pete Wheeler, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. Wheeler had been commissioner of the department since 1952 and was the state’s longest-serving agency head.

“I am fortunate and honored to have become friends with Pete Wheeler 23 years ago, and to have worked side by side with such a remarkable man,” said Sen. Harbison. “He is an iconic figure in veterans’ service, and dedicated his life to being a true friend to our state’s veterans. Pete’s remarkable contributions to thousands of veterans will not be forgotten, and he will be missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.”

In 1954, after being appointed as commissioner, Wheeler joined efforts with Georgians to encourage the celebration of Veterans Day as a federal holiday. He was forced to take time off in 2014 due to medical reasons, but stayed active in his position by communicating daily with his office as making sure business was cared for. Wheeler was a highly respected and admired leader, not only in his community, but all over the country.

Upon request of Gov. Nathan Deal, flags will be flown at half-staff in Wheeler’s honor on Monday.

Sen. Ed Harbison Recognized by Georgia Military Officers Association of America

ATLANTA (April 16 , 2015)  |  The Georgia Military Officers Association of America recently presented Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) with the 2014 Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Service Award for his support of Georgia Veterans.

“Although it is a great honor to receive this prestigious award, the real honor is supporting my fellow military veterans who place their lives on the line for our country,” said Sen. Harbison. “I am humbled to have the opportunity to work with organizations such as this one, and I look forward to creating and passing more legislation in support of veterans.”

The Joseph C. Barto, Jr. Award recognizes Sen. Harbison’s lifetime achievement, service and support of Georgia’s veterans through his furtherance of veteran issues in the General Assembly. In 2014, Sen. Harbison served as Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee and sponsored legislation to establish Veterans’ Accountability Courts in Georgia.

Bill Allowing Military Experience to Count for Technical College Academic Credit Gains Senate Approval

ATLANTA (February 17 , 2015)  |  Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) sponsored Senate Bill 18, a bill that allows the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to accept prior work experience and skills learned through the Military for academic credit. SB 18 passed the Georgia Senate today by a vote of 53-0. SB 18 ensures that members of Georgia’s military have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through their service to their academic careers.

“Georgia must provide every opportunity for the men and women who serve in our military to advance their academic careers,” said Sen. Harbison. “Georgia’s military members have received world class training and education in their respective fields. These men and women who have made immense sacrifices for our country deserve to be given the opportunity to put these valuable skills to use in our workforce. Allowing Technical Colleges to grant academic credit for knowledge gained through military service gives deserving veterans in Georgia an additional pathway to a successful future.”

SB 18 will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

State House of Representatives Unanimously Passes Legislation Designating Georgia “Purple Heart State”

ATLANTA (March 17, 2014) | Today, the Georgia House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 276 by a vote of 167–0. Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, sponsored SB 276 which would proclaim Georgia a “Purple Heart State.”

“I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for their swift action on such an important piece of legislation,” said Sen. Harbison.  “The bill goes a long way in ensuring our veterans receive every accolade for their distinguished service and sacrifice for our great nation.  I look forward to Gov. Deal’s prompt action on SB 276 so that Georgia will forever be known as a “Purple Heart State.””

If signed into law, this legislation designates Georgia as a “Purple Heart State,” honoring our combat wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice in allowing the United States of America to maintain its independence.

SB 276 will now head to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk for consideration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jennifer Yarber, Director

Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist

[email protected]

404.656.0028

State Senate Unanimously Passes Legislation Designating Georgia “Purple Heart State”

ATLANTA (March 3, 2014) | Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 276 which would proclaim Georgia a “Purple Heart State.”

“The Purple Heart decoration is held in high regard as a true testament to our service men and women who so gallantly served these United States,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Our veterans deserve every accolade for their dedication and sacrifice to our nation.  I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for supporting this simple yet wide reaching measure that will greatly impact Georgia’s hero’s and their families.”

If signed into law, this legislation designates Georgia as a “Purple Heart State,” honoring our combat wounded veterans for their service and sacrifice in allowing the United States of America to maintain its independence.

SB 276 will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist

[email protected]

404.656.0028

Sen. Ed Harbison Awarded Vietnam War Commemoration Certificate of Appreciation

ATLANTA (February 21, 2014) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D- Columbus), Chairman of the Senate Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee, was recently awarded the Vietnam War Commemoration Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service to Georgia’s veterans.  With over two decades of service in the State Senate, the Department of Defense cited his unwavering commitment to the service men and women of Georgia with numerous legislative efforts aimed at enhancing veteran’s quality of life.

“I would like to thank the Vietnam War Commemoration for this distinguished honor,” said Sen. Harbison.  “Throughout my time in the U.S. Marines, I gained a true understanding of what it means to serve and protect the citizens of this great nation.  My work as a state senator has only deepened my commitment to public service and allowed me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the courageous men and women who serve in our armed forces. Although we have made significant strides, there is still much to be done and I look forward to continuing my work in the senate for years to come.”

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The commemorative program includes activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives:

  1. To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war (POW), or listed as missing in action (MIA), for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.
  2. To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.
  3. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
  4. To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
  5. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

For more information on the Vietnam War Commemoration, please visit:http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/.

Sen. Harbison Featured in NCSL Magazine

ATLANTA (August 14, 2013) – Sen. Ed Harbison (D– Columbus) was recently featured in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Legislatures Magazine’s July/August edition in an article titled GI Jobs .

“As a veteran, there is no greater issue facing our service men and women than assisting our hero’s in their transition back to civilian life,” said Sen. Harbison.  “I’m honored NCSL choose to highlight our state’s work in allowing veterans to apply their military training for professional licensure.  I look forward to continuing my work on the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee as we seek to eliminate barriers military men and women face when they return home from serving these United States.”

The article features ways state legislatures are addressing employment for veterans upon their completion of service.  Armed service members gain invaluable skills overseas serving our country that can be applied in professional careers at home.  Georgia has taken a leading role in implementing laws to assist veterans in obtaining employment based on trade skills learned during service.

For the full article, please visit: http://www.ncsl.org/magazine/gi-jobs_sl-magazine-july-2013.aspx.

Sen. Harbison Recognizes Dr. Archie Rainey

ATLANTA (March 21, 2013) –Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) co-sponsored Senate Resolution 425 which recognizes Dr. Archie Rainey, a recipient of the Meritorious Service Award from the Peace Officers Association of Georgia.

“Dr. Rainey is a true example of a man committed to serving his community,” said Sen. Harbison.  “His time at Columbus State University has produced numerous law enforcement officials with invaluable skills that make Georgia a safer place.  Dr. Rainey is a pillar of our community and I cannot think of an individual more deserving of this distinguished award.”

Dr. Rainey was given this award due to his involvement in creating a pool of contemporary law enforcement executives ready to meet the challenges of protecting Georgia’s citizens.

A veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Rainey is the Director of Georgia’s Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University.  He was instrumental in the creation of the curriculum that provides graduate level studies for peace officers in training.  With over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Rainey has educated individuals that went on to serve in the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Corrections.