[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF GEORGE ALBERT GAINES, JR.

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                           HON. DOUG COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2019

  Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a life 
so rich in purpose and experience that it would be a shame not to 
commit a place in the record of this body to commemorate it.
  In August, a selfless servant of considerable character, Mr. George 
Albert Gaines, Jr. of Elberton, Georgia, will celebrate his 100th 
birthday in the company of friends, family and loved ones.
  Born August 17, 1919, in Elberton, Georgia, George Albert Gaines, Jr. 
has spent 100 years demonstrating why his life--a life of service, 
leadership, and fortitude--is worth celebration and reflection.
  In 1940, George began what would ultimately become a 31-year career 
in the military by joining the National Guard Unit in his hometown of 
Elberton, Georgia. As a member of the Greatest Generation, and a 
veteran of World War II, George served under General George S. Patton 
in North Africa, Corsica, and Italy, where he earned a Bronze Star in 
April of 1945 for his leadership on the battlefield, and for courage in 
the face of enemy fire.
  After the war, George worked in the granite industry, capably 
managing Atlas Granite Company from 1947 to 1964. He later resigned 
from Atlas and took a position as the full-time executive officer with 
the Georgia National Guard, where he assumed command of the 1st 
Battalion, 214th Artillery, with units in Elberton, Washington, 
Thompson, Sparta and Waynesboro, Georgia. While in that position, 
George received the Distinctive Service Medal for exceptionally 
meritorious and distinctive service.
  In addition to serving his country, George has been devoted to 
serving his community throughout his lifetime. He served on various 
boards, including the Elbert County Board of Education, and has been 
active in many civic and community organizations, including the Sons of 
the American Revolution, the Salvation Army, the Rotary Club of 
Elberton, and the Elberton Granite Association, of which he was once 
the President. He has been a devoted member of the First Baptist Church 
of Elberton and has served the congregation in many leadership 
positions over the years.
  On behalf of the people of Northeast Georgia, please join me in 
thanking Mr. Gaines for his service and celebrating 100 years of a life 
well lived.

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