Senator Ed Harbison Hosts International Military Students at the State Capitol
ATLANTA (October 29, 2019) | Yesterday, Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted a group of students from the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) International Military Student Office (IMSO), located in Ft. Benning, Georgia. The WHINSEC IMSO serves as the headquarters for all international students from the Western Hemisphere at Fort Benning. All IMSO students learn about the different levels of the U.S. government during their stay in this country.
This program aims to help international students understand American culture, as well as the government and military operations within the state of Georgia and United States. To date, over 8,500 students from over 20 different countries have participated in the program.
“Fort Benning and the WHINSEC International Military Student Office are a wonderful resource for our nation’s military and for promoting democracy around the world,” said Sen. Harbison. “This year, many of the students in the class are from Colombia. We had an extensive conversation about governance in their home country and the role Georgia politics plays in creating policies they may have heard about in the news. I learn as much from them as they do from me and am happy we have such a productive program in our district.”
To learn more about the International Military Student Office at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, follow this link: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/IMSO/
Senator Ed Harbison Welcomes International Military Students to the State Capitol
ATLANTA (June 12, 2019) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted a group of students from the International Military Student Office (IMSO), located in Ft. Benning, Georgia. This is the third year in a row that student’s from the IMSO have joined Sen. Harbison at the state capitol for a tour and introduction to state politics.
“The students with the IMSO and their teachers from Fort Benning always bring a valuable perspective to me at the capitol through their thoughtful questions about our legislative process and difference in governance they see in their home countries,” said Sen. Harbison. “While they are learning about local, state and national politics and more about the United States’ role in international diplomacy, we are learning just as much from them. This is a great program and one that I am so happy we have right here in Georgia.”
The IMSO serves as the headquarters for all international students at Fort Benning. All IMSO students learn about the different levels of the U.S. government during their stay in this country. This helps to give them an understanding of our way of life, as well as the government and military operations within it. Since the program’s inception in 1950, over 8,500 students from over 100 different countries have participated in the program.
To learn more about the International Military Student Office at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, follow this link: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/IMSO/
Senator Ed Harbison Hosts International Military Students at the State Capitol
ATLANTA (August 2, 2018) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted a group of 55 students from the International Military Student Office (IMSO), located in Ft. Benning, Georgia. He was joined by Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia), Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton), Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro) and Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta).
“Speaking with and showing the International Military students around the state capitol is an event I look forward to every year,” said Sen. Harbison. “The best way for the United States to create relationships and build our network is through programs such as these. And while there is a lot these students can learn from the outstanding program at Fort Benning, there is much for us to learn from them. I look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”
The IMSO serves as the headquarters for all international students at Fort Benning. All IMSO students learn about the different levels of the U.S. government during their stay in this country. This helps to give them an understanding of our way of life, as well as the government and military operations within it. To date, over 8,500 students from over 100 different countries have participated in the program.
To learn more about the International Military Student Office at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, follow this link: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/IMSO/
Sen. Ed Harbison Appointed as Chair of Senate Study Committee
ATLANTA (June 20, 2018) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) has been appointed by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to serve as the Chairman of the Senate Study Committee on Creating a Lottery Game to Benefit Veterans.
“The idea of a lottery that will benefit veteran’s issues is not a new idea, but one that has been discussed for several years,” said Sen. Harbison. “The Georgia Lottery has long been used as a means for students to attend Pre-Kindergarten and college, but we see the lottery as something that could also be used to benefit the men and women who have sacrificed their time, talents and energy to protecting and serving our nation. We realized that we need to do as much research as possible to determine the best course of legislative action in order to find a solution that will not affect the current system, but add to the lottery’s capabilities.”
“Georgia’s veterans have selflessly sacrificed to defend our freedom and keep our families safe,” said Lt. Governor. “Chairman Harbison has continued to champion the wellbeing of our veterans, while working to make more opportunities available to ensure their families share in our state’s record economic prosperity. I’m confident the members of this committee will thoroughly evaluate ideas and solutions to improve the quality of life for our veterans.”
The Senate Study Committee on Creating a Lottery Game to Benefit Veterans was created by the passage of Senate Resolution 484 during the 2018 Legislative Session. As stated in the resolution, the committee shall be comprised of five members of the Senate who will look at the possibility of creating one or more games within the Georgia Lottery for the benefit of Georgia’s military veterans. The committee must report its findings on or before December 1, 2018.
Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes Veteran Green Berets Robert Pennington and William Summers
ATLANTA (March 19, 2018) | Senator Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) welcomed veteran Green Berets Robert Pennington and William Summers from the U.S. Army’s 5th Special Forces Group on March 19, 2018, to honor them for their bravery and service with Senate Resolution 1024.
“I am so honored to have these brave men here with us today,” said Sen. Harbison. “When duty called, these men went running, and I can think of nothing more impressive. I am thankful for their commitment to our country, its principles and for defending our freedom.”
The once classified story of Pennington, Summers and their team was recently used as the inspiration behind the 2018 movie, “12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers.” The story became popularized not only for these men’s heroism, but for their innovative tactics, using horseback to conquer challenging mountainous terrain.
Following the 9/11 attacks, their team was one of the first deployed on the ground in the War in Afghanistan. Partnering with the rebel Afghan Northern Alliance, the members of their team were instrumental in driving back Al-Qaeda and Taliban soldiers during the early days of the conflict.
Sen. Ed Harbison Welcomes Local Officials from District 15 to the State Capitol
ATLANTA (March 16, 2018) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted local elected officials from Senate District 15 at the state Capitol on Thursday, March 15, 2018, to discuss local issues and legislative priorities specific to the communities.
“Having our local delegation at the capitol is a great way to be able to understand the challenges that face our communities,” said Sen. Harbison. “As I am in session for forty days under the Gold Dome, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with everything that happens back at home. But I am thankful we have such attentive and experienced leaders at the local level guiding our cities and towns in the right direction. I look forward to meeting with them every year and hearing about how I can help our communities on the state level.”
The 15th Senate District is made up of Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot, Taylor and portions of Muscogee County. Local elected officials of these communities met at the capitol to observe the Senate business of the day and meet with Senator Harbison at a legislative review luncheon.
Sen. Ed Harbison Honors Ranger Daniel Boatwright
ATLANTA (March 8, 2018) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) was pleased to honor Ranger Daniel Boatwright with Senate Resolution 859 at the state Capitol on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
“Ranger Boatwright and the 2nd Airborne Ranger Company’s integrity is why I strive to do everything I can to make our state a better place,” said Sen. Harbison. “These men have not received the recognition they deserve. They fought tirelessly for our country during a time of heightened racial tension and I consider it a great honor to ensure that their stories are persevered in American history.”
Ranger Boatwright is one of the last surviving soldiers of the 2ndAirborne Ranger Company. The 126 men of the 2nd Airborne Ranger Company fought in Korea from Christmas Day of 1950 until the fall of 1951 and are the first, last and only all African-American ranger company in United States history. Ranger Boatwright, from Keysville, Georgia, wrote a book documenting the company’s experiences in persevering American values and freedom.
Sen. Ed Harbison to Speak at the Military Family Summit in Columbus
ATLANTA (October 12, 2017) | Senator Ed Harbison (D — Columbus) will speak at the Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit hosted by Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA – 02) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA – 05) in Columbus, Georgia, on October 17, 2017.
“I am looking forward to speaking at this summit and thank Congressman Bishop, Congresswoman Rodgers and the Congressional Military Families Caucus for putting this event together,” said Sen. Harbison. “An integral part of our district 15 community is Fort Benning and the citizens statewide who live and work in and around one of our several military installations. Understanding, receiving and using your benefits to help yourself and your family live happy and healthy lives is a privilege you have earned. We host summits like this to better comprehend what needs our veterans have and use these ideas to help create positive, impactful legislation that will help support a veteran-friendly Georgia.”
The meeting will feature several panels, recognition presentations and breakout sessions that will highlight various aspects of military family life, from military spouse employment, to military healthcare, education, benefits and more.
The Congressional Military Family Caucus meets annually to host a summit aimed at addressing the unique challenges military families across the nation face. Members of Congress, local elected officials, advocates, military families and service members meet to discuss solutions to the issues military families encounter.
State Institutions and Property Committee Holds Hearing on ESPC Program
ATLANTA (June 28, 2017) | The Senate State Institutions and Property Committee, chaired by Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus), met today to discuss the Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC) Program, created by Senate Bill 194 and Senate Resolution 1231 during the 2010 legislative session.
“This meeting serves as an informative report of the benefits this program provides to various state agencies across Georgia,” said Sen. Harbison. “This project has a proven record of success through the millions of dollars in savings it has provided shown by the testimony from the Department of Corrections, Board of Regents, GDOT and Georgia World Congress Center. I am thankful for everything our state and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority has done to promote energy conservation among our state agencies.”
The meeting featured reports on the overall success of the ESPC program from Hal Gibson from the Department of Corrections, Alan Travis from the Board of Regents, Mike Dover from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), and Frank Poe and staff members from the Georgia World Congress Center. They were accompanied by Kevin Clark from the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority and Kathy Robb from the Georgia Energy Services Coalition who presented an overview of the program and its function.
Senator Ed Harbison Hosts International Military Students at the State Capitol
ATLANTA (January 17, 2017) | Sen. Ed Harbison (D – Columbus) hosted a group of students from the International Military Student Office (IMSO), located in Ft. Benning, Georgia, on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. He was joined by Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan), Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro) and Sen. Michael Williams (R – Cumming).
“The opportunity to host and meet the students from the IMSO is one that I always enjoy,” said Sen. Harbison. “I am happy to introduce them to the Georgia Senate and give them an overview of the function and processes in our state government. Meetings like these are the first step in successful foreign relations and I am glad to play a small part in ensuring a prosperous future for our nation and its allies.”
The IMSO serves as the headquarters for all international students at Fort Benning. All IMSO students learn about the different levels of the U.S. government during their stay in this country. This helps to give them an understanding of our way of life, as well as the government and military operations within it.
To learn more about the International Military Student Office at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, follow this link: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/IMSO/
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.
- To highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.
- 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.
Sen. Harbison Leads Passage of Resolution to Protect Fort Benning
ATLANTA (March 4, 2013) –Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) led the unanimous passage of Senate Resolution 201 which asks the Department of the Army carefully consider the socioeconomic impact the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Army 2020 Force Restructuring will have on Fort Benning.“The proposed cuts to the Department of the Army would have a devastating effect on the people of the 15th district and surrounding areas,” said Sen. Harbison. “Fort Benning is essential to the economic vitality of Columbus and we must call on our elected officials in Washington to halt any reduction in active duty and civilian personnel.”
According to the Assessment, a reduction of 7,100 active duty and civilian personnel would result in a 17,815 loss in total population, which represents a 5.74 percent decrease in the region, a 3.16 percent loss of sales volume, a 4.99 percent drop in regional income, and 5.94 percent loss in regional nonfarm employment, which has the potential to affect low-income populations the most negatively.
Sen. Harbison Named Chairman of Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
ATLANTA (January 15, 2013) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) has been named the Chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee for the 2013- 2014 term by the Senate Committee on Assignments.
“It is an honor and a privilege to once again serve my constituents as the Chairman of this invaluable committee,” said Sen. Harbison. “There is a lot of work to be done but I am confident that, with the help of my colleagues, we can address the needs and concerns of our hero’s: the men and women who have selflessly served our country in the armed forces.”
This committee handles legislation and oversight related to Georgia’s Department of Defense, military personnel, Department of Homeland Security, emergency response organizations, and organizations providing service to military veterans.
“I’m humbled to preside over a Senate that is strongly unified and filled with individuals that are hard-working, intelligent and dedicated to solving problems,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said. “I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Chairman Harbison, who is extremely well-versed and passionate about this important subject matter, to deliver Georgians real results on the major issues facing this State.”
“We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent and experience in the State Senate,” said President Pro Tem David Shafer (R-Duluth). “I have every confidence in our new committee leadership team.”
Once a piece of legislation is introduced in the Senate, it is assigned to a Committee, depending on its topic. If the Committee gives the legislation a “do pass” recommendation, then the proposed law is sent to the Rules Committee for consideration. The appointed chairs will oversee the operation and order of Senate committee meetings, including calling for action on bills, resolutions or other matters assigned to that committee.
The first term of the 152nd Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly convened January 14, 2013 at the Georgia State Capitol.
Sen. Harbison Champions Veterans Legislation
ATLANTA (March 7, 2012) – Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) led the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 473 which will extend the eligibility for Purple Heart license tags to include service members on active duty or in reserves.
“Men and women throughout the entire state have made great sacrifices for our country by serving in our armed forces,” said Sen. Harbison. “I was disheartened to discover that recipients of this distinguished award had to wait until retirement to receive their license tag. I am proud that my colleagues in the Senate supported this measure to honor veterans both past and present.”
Ms. Kim Kapacziewski, of Columbus, GA, brought this issue to Sen. Harbison earlier this legislative session. Her husband, SFC Kapacziewski, is a veteran amputee still serving in the armed forces. He was given his Purple Heart license tag but was asked to return it when the Georgia Department of Veteran Services realized he was still active personnel.
Currently, the Purple Heart license tag is only available to discharged veterans who received a Purple Heart citation. By amending the definition of a “Veteran,” this legislation expands availability of the tag to include recipients who are currently serving on active duty or in the reserves.
Senator Harbison’s Bill Ending Sales of Synthetic Marijuana Passes Senate
ATLANTA (March 24, 2010) – Sen. Ed Harbison’s (D-Columbus) legislation (SB 498) ending the sales of synthetic marijuana in Georgia passed the Senate today with a unanimous vote. Recently, sale of synthetic marijuana also known as K2 or spice, have ballooned across the state. This bill would make the sale of these substances illegal, and add them to Schedule 1 on Georgia’s controlled substance list. Harbison was inspired to create the legislation after Atlanta area teens were hospitalized as a result of using the drug.
“Georgia citizens need to be protected from products that may cause irreversible harm to their bodies,” said Sen. Harbison. “Teens assume these drugs are harmless because they are so easily accessible. These drugs, however, are so dangerous it’s sending our young people to the emergency room.”
Additional substances on Schedule 1 of Georgia’s controlled substance list include heroin and meth. Use or sale of these substances carry the most severe penalties and are highly addictive. Synthetic marijuana is ten times stronger than marijuana, and cannot be detected by drug testing.
“These drugs are not harmless recreational substances, but actually potent concoctions of harmful materials that can cause a variety of problems. The manufactures for these products do not put the ingredients on packaging, and do not have to follow any type of regulated standards,” said Sen. Harbison. “We need to act now before we have an epidemic of people addicted to these substances.”
Harbison will continue to gain support for the legislation as it goes to the House.
Senator Harbison’s Fallen Veterans Bill Passes Senate
ATLANTA (Feb. 19, 2010) – Sen. Ed Harbison’s (D-Columbus) Fallen Veterans Bill (SB 355) overwhelmingly passed Senate on Thursday. The bill designates that a deceased veteran’s remains go to the individual listed on their U.S. Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data or DD Form 93. This bill will alleviate any discrepancies among family members regarding the final resting place of the deceased veteran.
“I’ve seen so many families struggling to decide where the final resting place should be for their fallen solider. With the passage of this bill, families will no longer have to deal with this issue while grieving the loss of a loved one,” said Sen. Harbison. “This bill can take away some of the stress families go through in making this difficult decision and hopefully aid in the healing process.”
Sen. Harbison served in the Vietnam War and uses his experiences as a veteran to craft meaningful and innovative legislation to benefit military families. The bill will now go onto the House for voting.