[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 68 (Friday, May 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           STATEMENT ON PASSING OF G.V. ``SONNY'' MONTGOMERY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2006

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my 
respects to Mr. Veteran, Gillespie V. ``Sonny'' Montgomery, who died 
May 12.
  He served for 30 years in the House and I was lucky enough to serve 
with him on the Veterans Committee.
  When I was first elected to Congress in 1992, I knew that I wanted to 
serve on the Veterans Committee. I could think of no better way to 
serve my constituents or my country than to be on the committee that 
oversees the Department responsible for helping so many people. Sonny 
Montgomery was my inspiration.
  I was a new member and introduced myself to the chairman. A more 
gracious and gentle man you could not meet.
  I was walking down the hall with the former Speaker from the Florida 
legislature. Sonny made a comment that I was a pleasure to work with 
and how much he enjoyed my participation in the Committee. The former 
Florida Speaker said you don't know her very well, she'll cut your 
heart out.
  He was deeply committed to the cause of veterans and worked in a 
bipartisan manner to get that done. He also started the Bipartisan 
Prayer Breakfast which still meets every week.
  Everyone was Sonny's friend. He was blessed to be surrounded by so 
many caring friends.
  ``Let the work that I have done speak for me'' is a favorite line 
from a hymn. This line explains how Sonny lived his life.
  God Bless Sonny Montgomery.

                          ____________________