[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 38 (Monday, March 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RUSSELL N. COLLINS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2018

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of the late Russell N. Collins, Jr., of Palmyra, New Jersey, for his 
service to our nation.
  Russell N. Collins Jr. was born in Camden, New Jersey in 1925. He 
attended Woodrow Wilson High School where he was a gifted drum player 
in the school band. Upon learning of the surprise attack on the 
American naval base at Pearl Harbor, Mr. Collins enlisted into the 
United States Navy and proudly served his country during World War II 
as an original crew member of the USS New Jersey (BB-62), from 1943 to 
1946.
  After the war, Mr. Collins returned home to New Jersey and married 
his high school sweetheart, Helen S. Collins. They were married more 
than fifty years until Mrs. Collins' passing in 2004.
  Later in life, Mr. Collins would return to the Battleship New Jersey, 
where he served as a volunteer and valued member of the floating Museum 
and Memorial along the Camden, New Jersey waterfront.
  Mr. Collins is remembered by those close to him as having a hearty 
laugh, a gentle grin and was adept at storytelling. He was a Mason, a 
Shriner and an Odd Fellow, and was never seen without his USS New 
Jersey hat.
  On December 21, 2017, Mr. Collins passed away at the age of 92. He 
was the last museum volunteer who served as a U.S. Navy sailor on the 
Battleship during World War II. Mr. Collin's life was a rich collection 
of love, friendship, loyalty, bravery, and heroism.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Russell N. Collins, Jr. was a true American hero. I 
ask you to join me in celebrating this patriot and his selfless 
sacrifices on behalf of our grateful nation.

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