Tag: military and veterans

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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/.