[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1975-S1976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JAMES BARNES

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, this month, I am proud to 
recognize 96-year-old James Barnes of Abbeville, AL. Mr. Barnes was so 
eager to serve his country that he didn't want to wait until he turned 
18 to enlist in the military. So, at age 17, he convinced his dad to 
sign a parental consent form allowing him to join the U.S. Navy, where 
he became a radioman third class. He recalls the elder Mr. Barnes 
saying that giving him permission was one of the hardest things he ever 
did. Yet he recognized his son's noble desire to serve. Mr. Barnes 
traveled the world aboard the U.S.S. LCI 963 and 965, with stops in the 
Philippines and China to promote global stability after World War II.
  After his military service, Mr. Barnes returned home to Henry County, 
where he began farming peanuts, helping keep the Wiregrass region at 
the forefront of our national peanut production. Additionally, Mr. 
Barnes provided a critical service to people in the Wiregrass, 
faithfully delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service for more than 38 
years, before his retirement in 1990. He is still involved with 
American Legion Post 119 and Adoniram Baptist Church, where he has 
served as secretary, treasurer, and a deacon, over the course of more 
than 50 years.
  Although Mr. Barnes is a humble man, members of his community will

[[Page S1976]]

tell you what a fixture he is in the local area. They describe him as 
``a true Henry County hero who represents all that is great about our 
country.'' When asked what the secret to his long life is, Mr. Barnes 
advised, ``No smoking, no drinking, and a lot of country cooking.''
  Alabama is thankful for Mr. Barnes' many contributions to our State 
and country, and I am proud to recognize him as the June Veteran of the 
Month.

                          ____________________