[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING ADJUTANT MAJOR GENERAL AUGUSTUS L. COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Jackson, Mississippi native, Major General Augustus L. Collins, 
Adjutant General of Mississippi, who also serves as the commanding 
General of both the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard.
  After 35 years of being active in the Mississippi Army National 
Guard, Major General Collins announced his retirement, concluding his 
service at the end of August. His passion for service began when he was 
invited to attend a National Guard drill, and saw the position as an 
opportunity to earn extra income. He enlisted in the Mississippi Army 
National Guard's company B, 1st Battalion 198th Armor Regiment in March 
1977, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant July 1980.
  After enlisting, General Collins attended the University of 
Mississippi where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration. 
Afterwards, he received a Master Business Administration degree from 
Jackson State University. He also earned a Master of Strategic Studies 
degree from the United States Army War College.
  Collins was appointed the Adjutant General of Mississippi by Governor 
Phil Bryant in January 2012, and was promoted to Major General in March 
2012. He leads a ready force of more than 12,275 Citizen-Soldiers and 
Airmen. He also serves as the director of the Mississippi Military 
Department, and oversees the development and coordination of all 
policies, plans and programs of the Mississippi National Guard in 
concert with the Governor and legislature of the State.
  He refers to his military career as his greatest accomplishment. 
General Collins commanded 3,000 Mississippi soldiers--the 155th Armored 
Brigade in Iraq at the time of Hurricane Katrina. Being in Iraq during 
that time was a memorable experience for him because he witnessed the 
strength of his troop. He stated, ``Twenty-seven soldiers went into 
combat with me who did not come back. I live with that number. I'll 
never forget them because they gave everything they had.'' Troops were 
forced to place their personal lives on hold to fight for the 
betterment of the country. Unaware of their living conditions back home 
and dealing with the grievances of other soldiers, the troops remained 
focused on the task at hand.
  General Collins has won many awards over the course of his military 
career including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism 
Service Medal, and the Mississippi Longevity Medal
  He appreciates his experience gained while serving his country so the 
decision to retire was not easy. Though he will no longer be in 
uniform, he plans to continue working and spending more time with 
family. I consider General Collins a friend and he was always a 
consummate professional and there for me and my staff when we needed 
his assistance. His presence in command will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Adjutant 
Major General Augustus L. Collins, for his duty to his country, his 
state, and his troops. Thank you for your service.

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