[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 101 (Friday, July 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF CSM (RET) EDDIE ROBERTS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 8, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a decorated 
soldier, community leader, public servant, and my longstanding friend, 
CSM (Ret) Eddie Roberts. Sadly, CSM Roberts passed away suddenly on 
July 6, 2011, but he left a legacy and a personality that will never be 
forgotten.
  Eddie was a native of Pensacola, Florida. Spurred by a love of 
country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965 and completed basic 
training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Throughout his military 
career, he had 13 military assignments, which included tours in Korea, 
Germany, and Panama. He served two decorated tours in Vietnam, during 
which he displayed remarkable heroism and earned the endearing 
nickname, ``Fast Eddie.'' During his tour in Panama, he trained 
soldiers to throw grenades. When one soldier dropped the grenade after 
pulling the safety pin, Eddie quickly grabbed the grenade and safely 
tossed it away from frightened soldiers.
  His military career earned him many honors including: the Legion of 
Merit, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's 
Badge, the Ranger Tab, Jumpmaster Wings and the Pathfinder Badge.
  After his distinguished military career ended in 1995, he found other 
ways to give back to the community that he loved so much. He started 
work at Columbus Bank and Trust as Vice President and Military Sales 
Coordinator. He never forgot his experience in the military and never 
forgot his love of soldiers. He used his position to help soldiers 
become better managers of their finances. Moreover, he advocated for 
their causes with a fervor and spirit that made you take notice and 
appreciate his passion for his comrades.
  In addition to improving the lives of soldiers, Eddie was involved in 
many social and civic organizations dedicated to the improvement of his 
community. He was one of the founding members of the Controllers Civic 
and Social Club in Columbus, an organization that has given away more 
than 20,000 pairs of shoes to low-income children. Because of his 
infectious personality, Eddie never met a stranger he didn't like and 
always tried to put himself in the ``shoes'' of others. Consequently, 
thousands of young people have been able to walk in shoes with pride 
and dignity.
  On a personal note, Eddie was my dear friend for many years. During 
my first Congressional campaign and subsequent campaigns, he was one of 
my drivers. He often joked that: ``He was never paid for his 
services.'' He continued to provide me with treasured friendship and 
wise counsel over the years.
  The phrase, ``One of a Kind'' is used too much in our everyday 
discourse. I can truly say that CSM (Ret). Eddie Roberts was one of a 
kind and will never be forgotten. One of my mentors, Dr. Benjamin E. 
Mays, once said that, ``Every man and woman is born into the world to 
do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not 
do it, it will never be done.''
  Mr. Speaker, the world is a better place because CSM (Ret) Eddie 
Roberts passed this way. He did something unique with his life and the 
world is better for it. On behalf of my wife, Vivian and I, I extend my 
deepest sympathies to all those who knew and loved this special man.

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