[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HONORING REAR ADMIRAL LEROY COLLINS, JR.

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2010

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rear 
Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr., who was taken from this world after a 
tragic accident in South Tampa.
  A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Collins continued to 
serve our country first on active duty and then in the Naval Reserves 
for 34 years. He continued his dedication to country as an advocate for 
veterans' health and economic well being in his role as Executive 
Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.
  At 75, Admiral Collins was still an active member of the community. 
In addition to maintaining a rigorous athletic schedule, he served on 
the boards of Tampa General Hospital, Collins Center for Public Policy, 
S.S. American Victory, and the Armed Forces Financial Network.
  I know that his wife, children, and grandchildren played an enormous 
role in his life and brought him great joy. It is with great sympathy 
that I extend my condolences to his family. I am honored to have known 
Admiral Collins. He has truly served our community, State, and country 
well and will be missed.

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