[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E98]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. JACK ALLAN BELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Mr. Jack Allan Bell of Columbus, who passed away on 
December 22nd. His life should serve as an example to all of us who 
seek to serve our families, communities, states, and nation.
  A son of the South, Mr. Bell was born in Birmingham, Alabama, 
educated at Birmingham Southern College and the University of Alabama, 
and spent most of his life in Columbus, Georgia, where his widow still 
resides.
  Mr. Bell demonstrated his patriotism at a young age, serving in 
combat during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Even in times 
of peace, Mr. Bell served in extremely dangerous positions, including 
piloting RB-45 reconnaissance aircraft for the Strategic Air Command 
(SAC). These reconnaissance missions produced invaluable intelligence 
information regarding Soviet defenses but also resulted in the loss of 
two-thirds of Mr. Bell's squadron. And as an Air Force test pilot, Mr. 
Bell again proved his skill, gaining certification in over 40 different 
U.S. military aircraft.
  Following his military service, Mr. Bell made countless contributions 
to the Columbus community as both a businessman and a benefactor. He 
served as president of the Gas Light Company of Columbus, the Southern 
Gas Association, the Muscogee Lions Club, and the Greater Columbus 
Chamber of Commerce, as well as Director Emeritus for Sun Trust Bank.
  As a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Bell was instrumental in 
the growth and development of the Columbus Museum and the Springer 
Opera House. He also was a leading force in the Chattahoochee Council 
Boy Scouts.
  Jack Bell is and will be greatly missed in Columbus. As a father, 
husband, patriot, and community leader, Mr. Bell will continue to serve 
as a shining example of the great impact that one individual can have 
on his community and on his country. I am honored to have had the 
opportunity to represent him.




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