[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5250-S5251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL AUGUSTUS L. COLLINS

 Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, it is an honor to pay tribute 
today to MG Augustus L. Collins, the adjutant general of the 
Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. General Collins is retiring 
after a remarkable legacy of nearly 40 years of military service.
  Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant appointed General Collins as 
adjutant general in 2012, and the readiness of Mississippi's 12,275 
citizen soldiers and airmen has thrived under General Collins's strong 
leadership. The excellent organizational and command skills exercised 
by General Collins have ensured that Mississippi's National Guard 
forces are equipped and trained to accomplish any mission, whether 
responding to natural disasters at home or deployed to combat zones 
overseas.
  General Collins enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard in 
March 1977. Following his enlistment, he completed State officer 
candidate school and was commissioned in July of 1980. As a 
commissioned officer, General Collins advanced quickly up the ranks

[[Page S5251]]

and continuously trusted with new levels of responsibility. General 
Collins's leadership skills led to assignments in command and staff 
positions at every level, including company, battalion, regiment, 
brigade, and the adjutant general's primary staff in both a traditional 
and Active Guard Reserve status.
  General Collins's record of military service also includes being 
called to Active Duty in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and 
commanding the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during combat 
operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2006.
  The commitment, courage and sacrifice demonstrated by General Collins 
is reflected in the many awards and decorations earned over his 
distinguished career. These honors include, but are not limited to, the 
Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Reserve 
Components Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Mississippi Magnolia 
Cross.
  General Collins is a true patriot and one of the most respected 
leaders in Mississippi. His care and commitment for our citizen 
soldiers and their families is unwavering. On a personal level, I am 
grateful for the opportunity to work closely with General Collins. His 
strength of character, gracious presence, and warm personality always 
make him a pleasure to be around.
  It is an honor to commend General Collins and to express appreciation 
to him for a job well done. The State of Mississippi and United States 
of America are better because of you.

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