(May 11, 2006) Today the Nation has lost a true hero. My friend, mentor and former colleague in the House of Representatives, Chairman G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery has passed on.

Chairman Montgomery was a veteran, a patriot, a charismatic leader, a Medal of Freedom recipient and a gentleman through and through. He was a champion for veterans’ rights and a powerful advocate of a strong national defense.

Sonny was a decorated World War II veteran, and served in the Korean War while activated as a member of the Mississippi National Guard, ultimately retiring with 35 years of military service and with the rank of major general.

He served with distinction in the House of Representatives for 30 years, 13 as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. He was the prime force and advocate for a modernized G.I. Bill after the Vietnam War, ultimately winning enactment of legislation to update and improve veterans’ education benefits in 1984. The Montgomery G.I. Bill is named after Sonny for a reason, without his persistence and leadership it would not have made it through Congress.

Indeed, Sonny Montgomery was a rare breed, there will never be anyone else like him and I will miss him.